Patent ID: 6810428
Filing Date: 2004-10-26
Classification: H04B,H04L,H04W,Y02D

Abstract:
A method of operating a wireless communication network comprising a plurality of stations each able to transmit and receive data so that the network can transmit data from an originating station to a destination station via at least one opportunistically selected intermediate station, the method comprising:a) defining at least one calling channel, distinct from at least one data channel, on which stations can transmit probe signals to other stations to which any station can respond, receive probe signals from other stations, and monitor probe signals transmitted by other stations; b) selecting, at intervals, at each station and according to first predetermined criteria, a calling channel for the transmission of probe signals to other stations; c) transmitting broadcast probe signals from each station at intervals on the selected calling channel, other stations which receive the broadcast probe signals from a given station responding directly, or indirectly via at least one intermediate station, to thereby indicate to the given station their availability as destination or intermediate stations; and d) evaluating, at the given station, the direct or indirect responses of other stations to said broadcast probe signals according to second predetermined criteria, in order to identify other stations with which the given station can communicate optimally.