Patent ID: 7697456
Filing Date: 2010-04-13
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A method of selecting a root node in an ad hoc network comprising a plurality of nodes including candidate root nodes, the method comprising at each node of the plurality of nodes: deciding, using primary factors regarding capabilities of the node, whether or not to nominate itself as a candidate root node, only candidate root nodes deciding to nominate themselves transmitting a candidate message to the other nodes of the plurality of nodes in the ad hoc network; receiving the message from each candidate root node, wherein each message comprises the primary factors associated with an originating node from which the message originates regarding capabilities of the originating node; adding each of the candidate root nodes to a candidate list; comparing the primary factors associated with each of the candidate root nodes in the candidate list; and attempting to select the root node based on the primary factors associated with each of the candidate root nodes, wherein each of the plurality of nodes deciding whether or not to nominate itself as a candidate root node comprises each node designating itself as being a priority node in which the node has priority in being selected as the root node, a non-priority node in which the node is permitted to be selected as the root node but does not have priority in being selected as the root node, or an excluded node in which the node is precluded as being selected as the root node, the primary factors including whether the originating node is a priority node or non-priority node, wherein comparing the primary factors comprises: wherein attempting to select the root node comprises choosing the priority node as a root node, if the number of priority nodes is equal to one.