Patent ID: 7486631
Filing Date: 2009-02-03
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A method of enhancing communication in a communication network, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one full functional device (FFD) having a transceiver operable to receive and send messages using radio frequency; providing a plurality of reduced functionality devices (RFDs) each having a transceiver operable to receive and transmit messages using radio frequency, wherein each of the RFDs is assigned to only one FFD; activating each RFD during a predetermined activation period, wherein each RFD communicates to its assigned FFD upon initial activation; determining whether the communication from the activated RFD to the assigned FFD has been established, wherein the activated RFD enters an orphaned state upon the failure to communicate with the assigned FFD; continuing to operate the transceiver of the activated RFD to receive messages from either the assigned FFD or the other RFDs when the activated RFD is in the orphaned state; and allowing the activated RFD to respond to the messages received from the other RFDs only when the activated RFD is in the orphaned state.