Patent ID: 6434132
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
In a wireless local area network comprising a plurality of subnetworks each including a parent host and a plurality of mobile hosts, wherein in each subnetwork a wireless link is established over a selected channel between at least one particular mobile host and a particular parent host and the particular mobile host may receive a signal from another subnetwork, a method for operating said local area network, comprising the steps of:broadcasting a control packet at periodic intervals from said particular parent host of each subnetwork; monitoring said control packet and said signal from said another subnetwork at said particular mobile host of each subnetwork; monitoring said signal from said another subnetwork at said particular parent host; selecting, at said particular mobile host, a new channel if said control packet is not received by said particular mobile host within a period of time or said signal from said another subnetwork is detected by said mobile host; and selecting, at said particular parent host, a new channel if said signal from said another subnetwork is detected by said particular parent host.