Patent ID: 8098641
Filing Date: 2012-01-17
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A wireless communication system for configuring a multihop chain with one network controller and a plurality of communication entities, the system comprising: the network controller configured to manage an infrastructure function which includes a function to control network resource of the multihop chain, and assign a part of the infrastructure function to at least one communication entity; and the communication entity configured to switch its function between the assigned part of the infrastructure function and a client function alternately, wherein the assigned part of the infrastructure function includes a function to control network resource of a part of the multihop chain corresponding to a downstream side of the communication entity, the client function includes a function to perform communication using the network resource controlled by a part of the infrastructure function that is assigned to another communication entity on an upstream side of the communication entity, and the communication entity is further configured to (i) receive a Mode-Change trigger signal instructing change of the function to be executed by the communication entity either from the other communication entity on the upstream side or from the network controller, and (ii) change the function between the assigned part of the infrastructure function and the client function according to the received Mode-Change trigger signal.