Patent ID: 7336642
Filing Date: 2008-02-26
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A mesh network that uses a distributed polling coordination function comprising: a source acting as a polling coordinator (PC) by producing first polling information and second polling information at predetermined first and second time-slots; a first node that receives said first polling information during said first time-slot and that sends first responsive information to said source; and a second node that receives said second polling information during said second time-slot and that sends second responsive information to said source; wherein said first and second time-slots occur relative to a common time frame; wherein said first responsive information assigns a time and a frequency for future polling of said first node by said source, and a time for said first node to act as a PC; and wherein said second responsive information assigns a time and a frequency for future polling of said second node by said source, and a time for said second node to act as a PC; and wherein said second responsive information depends on said first responsive information.