Patent ID: 6229790
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: H04J,H04L,H04N

Abstract:
A communication system, comprising:(a) a central controller; and(b) a plurality of remote nodes, wherein:each remote node is configured to communicate with the central controller using at least one of a plurality of channels;the central controller is configured to maintain an overall data structure identifying channel assignments for the plurality of remote nodes to keep track of different channels assigned to different remote nodes;the central controller is configured to broadcast the overall data structure as information spread over multiple frames to all of the remote nodes identifying changes in channel assignments for any one or more of the remote nodes, rather than sending specific messages to only affected remote nodes; andeach remote node is configured to monitor the broadcasted information contained in the multiple frames, dynamically update its own version of the overall data structure using the broadcasted information, and, if appropriate, change the channel for its communications with the central controller as indicated in the broadcasted information.