Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to networks and, more particularly, to systems and methods for detecting the presence of nodes in wireless networks. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     The use of ad hoc wireless networks has increased in recent years. An ad hoc wireless network typically includes several wireless, sometimes mobile, nodes. In such a network, all of the nodes may be equipped with wireless communications transceivers. Some of the nodes (e.g., routers) may be designed to perform network routing functions while other nodes may be merely sources or destinations for data traffic. 
     All of the nodes in the network may execute a set of algorithms and perform a set of networking protocols that enable the nodes to find each other and determine paths through the network for data traffic from source to destination(s). The algorithms/protocols also enable the nodes to detect and repair ruptures in the network as nodes move, as nodes fail, as battery power changes, as communications path characteristics change over time, and so forth. 
     Conventional ad hoc wireless networks employ “beacons” as a way in which network nodes can perform neighbor discovery (i.e., locate other nearby nodes). A beacon is a transmission that can be generated by one node and received by some or all of the nodes within a transmission range. In other words, the beacon is a broadcast, rather than a transmission to any particular node. In some networks, all of the nodes may beacon, while in other networks, only a subset of the nodes may beacon. Beacons serve to alert a given receiving node that there may be one or more other (i.e., transmitting) nodes in their proximity. 
     Beacons typically include an identification of the node that is transmitting the beacon, forward error correction information, and other information based on the type of wireless networking protocols being employed. In conventional practices, the intent of beaconing is to ensure that other network nodes have the highest feasible chance of receiving the beacons, so that the nodes in the ad hoc network can form neighbor relationships and transmit data through the network. As a result, beacons are typically sent at regular intervals at the highest power level possible and include a fairly large number of bits of information content. 
     This combination of factors, however, makes it extremely easy for an adversary to detect the beacons. The adversary may also perform direction finding on the beacon transmissions to detect the actual physical locations of the wireless network nodes. The adversary may then attempt to physically attack one or more of the nodes in the network based on information gained from detecting the beacons and determining the location of the node(s). In addition, by knowing the network layout, the adversary may be able to eavesdrop on radio transmissions in the network more easily. The adversary may then try to use this information to access confidential information from the network. 
     Therefore, a need exists for systems and methods that enable nodes to perform neighbor discovery with a low probability of detection. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Systems and methods consistent with the present invention address this and other needs by splitting the neighbor discovery function into two sub-functions: 1) a very low probability of detection (LPD) “proximity alert” function, and 2) an “exchange of information” function. The nodes may first discover that other nodes are nearby via the proximity alert function. The nodes may then exchange useful information using, for example, directional antennas. 
     In accordance with the principles of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a method of performing neighbor discovery in a wireless network including a plurality of nodes is provided. The method includes generating a signal at a first node for alerting other nodes in the network of the presence of the first node, where the signal comprises a spread signal. The method also includes broadcasting the signal from the first node, receiving the signal at a second node and calculating an energy associated with the received signal. The method further includes determining whether the energy is greater than a threshold and identifying the first node as a neighbor node when the energy is greater than the threshold. 
     In another implementation consistent with the present invention, a computer-readable medium having stored sequences of instructions is provided. The instructions cause a processor to retrieve a spreading sequence that identifies a first node in a wireless network and broadcast the spreading sequence. The instructions also cause the processor to receive a message from a second node in the wireless network, where the message identifies the second node and indicates that the second node is a neighbor node. 
     In a further implementation consistent with the present invention, a first node is provided in a network that includes a plurality of nodes. The first node includes at least one antenna configured to receive a signal from a second one of the nodes over a period of time and a filtering device configured to filter the received signal. The first node also includes a processing device coupled to the filtering device. The processing device is configured to receive the filtered signal, calculate an energy associated with the filtered signal and determine whether the energy exceeds a threshold. 
     In still another implementation consistent with the present invention, a first node in a wireless network is provided. The first node includes an omni-directional antenna, a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is configured to transmit a signal for alerting other nodes in the network of the presence of the first node via the omni-directional antenna. The signal includes a spread signal that is spread using a direct sequence, a frequency hopping sequence or a number of short pulses. The receiver is configured to receive a message from a second node, where the message identifies the second node as a neighbor node and is sent in response to the second node detecting the signal from the first node. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the invention and, together with the description, explain the invention. In the drawings, 
         FIG. 1  is an exemplary diagram of a network in which systems and methods consistent with the present invention may be implemented; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram of an exemplary node of  FIG. 1  according to an implementation consistent with the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 3–5  are flow diagrams that illustrate exemplary processing by nodes in the network of  FIG. 1  in an implementation consistent with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements. Also, the following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and equivalents. 
     Systems and methods consistent with the present invention perform beaconing by transmitting long spreading sequences at low power levels. This enables a wireless network to reduce the likelihood that an unintended receiver will be able to detect the beacon messages transmitted from nodes performing neighbor discovery. 
     Exemplary Network 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram of an exemplary network  100  in which systems and methods consistent with the present invention may be implemented. Each of the circles represents a node and each of the nodes may communicate with neighboring nodes via radio frequency (RF) communication paths or links. The solid lines connecting the nodes represent “neighbor relations” between nodes (i.e., a line represents a possible path by which data messages can flow between nodes in network  100 ). 
     Each transmitting node (e.g., a router) has some limit to its radio range, infrared range or other range associated with the particular wireless communication medium that it is using to communicate with other nodes. The dashed circle in  FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary RF range associated with node  110 . It should be understood, however, that the range of a node typically has an irregular shape and depends on factors such as the terrain, reflections from nearby buildings and vehicles, other wireless interference and so forth. 
       FIG. 1  shows node  110  with neighbor nodes  120 ,  130  and  140 . That is, node  110  has formed neighbor relations with nodes  120 – 140 . Node  110  also has a number of other potential neighbors, labeled P 1 , P 2  and P 3 . These potential neighbors are nodes that are within node  110 &#39;s RF range. These potential neighbors could be used for forwarding messages, but are not currently being used as such. For example, if a node in an existing path fails, node  110  may establish a neighbor relationship with one or more of the potential neighbors P 1 –P 3  to route data messages via an alternate path. 
     Exemplary Node 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram of an exemplary node of  FIG. 1 , such as node  110  or node  120 , according to an implementation consistent with the present invention. The node  110 / 120  may include a processor  200 , a memory  210 , a network interface  220 , transceiver modules  230 ,  240  and  250 , a combiner  260  and antennas  270  and  280 . These components may be connected via one or more buses, illustrated as bus  290  for simplicity. Nodes  130  and  140  may be similarly configured. 
     One skilled in the art would recognize that nodes  110  and  120  may be configured in a number of other ways and may include other elements. For example, the node  110 / 120  may include a different number of antennas and transceiver modules. In addition, the node  110 / 120  may include a power supply, such as a battery, fuel cell, or the like, for providing power to the components of the node  110 / 120 . In some implementations, the power supply includes a recharging mechanism to permit the battery to be recharged using, for example, solar power techniques. 
     The processor  200  may include any type of conventional processor or microprocessor that interprets and executes instructions. The memory  210  may include a conventional random access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamic storage device that stores information and instructions for execution by the processor  200 . The memory  210  may also include a conventional read only memory (ROM) device or another type of static storage device that stores static information and instructions for use by the processor  200 . Instructions used by the processor  200  may also, or alternatively, be stored in another type of computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium includes one or more memory devices and/or carrier waves. 
     The network interface  220  may include an interface that allows the node to be coupled to an external network. For example, the network interface  220  may include a serial line interface, an Ethernet interface, an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network interface, an interface to a local area network (LAN), etc. 
     The transceiver module  230  may include conventional components for transmitting and receiving data. For example, transceiver module  230  may include conventional transceiver circuitry for transmitting and receiving RF data via antenna  270 . The transceiver module  230  may also include a conventional modem that that converts analog signals to digital signals, and vice versa, for communicating with other devices in node  110 / 120 . In other implementations, the transceiver module  230  may be configured as separate transmit and receive modules and a separate modem. Transceiver modules  240  and  250  may include similar components as transceiver module  230 . 
     The combiner  260  may include conventional circuitry that receives information from transceiver modules  240  and  250  and forwards the information for transmission to antenna  280 . The combiner  260  may also receive information from antenna  280  and forward the information to either transceiver module  240  or  250 . 
     The RF antennas  270  and  280  may each include a conventional antenna capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals. In accordance with an exemplary implementation, antenna  270  may be an omni-directional antenna that may be used for beaconing and antenna  280  may be a directional antenna that may be used for transmitting/receiving data messages after neighbor nodes have been detected. 
     Each of nodes  110  and  120 , consistent with the present invention, perform neighbor discovery in response to its respective processor  200  executing sequences of instructions contained in a computer-readable medium, such as memory  210 . Such instructions may be read into memory  210  from another computer-readable medium, such as an external data storage device (not shown). 
     Execution of the sequences of instructions causes processor  200  to perform the acts that will be described hereafter. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement aspects of the present invention. For example, in alternative embodiments, the processor  200  may be implemented as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a number of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs). Thus, the present invention is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software. 
     Exemplary Processing 
       FIGS. 3–5  are flow diagrams of processing by nodes in network  100  in an exemplary implementation consistent with the present invention. Processing begins when node  110  powers up (act  310 ). As described previously, nodes in a wireless network, such as network  100 , perform neighbor discovery to detect their neighboring nodes. According to an implementation consistent with the present invention, the neighbor discovery function may be split into two sub-functions: 1) a “proximity alert” function with LPD, and 2) an “exchange of information” function. 
     Assume that node  110  uses one of its transceiver modules and antennas primarily for the proximity alert function and the other transceiver modules/antenna for the exchange of information function and for normal data transmissions associated with transmitting data packets between nodes. For example, assume that transceiver module  230  and antenna  270  are used to transmit the proximity alert and that transceiver modules  240  and  250  and antenna  280  are used to transmit data packets after a neighboring node has been detected. In this implementation, antenna  270  may be an omni-directional antenna that transmits the proximity alert signal in all directions. Alternatively, antenna  270  may include a set of sectored antennas. In this case, node  110  may transmit the proximity alert signal on each directional antenna in the set of antennas so that the signal will be transmitted in all directions. 
     After the node  110  powers up, the node  110  may wait some amount of time before transmitting a proximity alert signal (act  320 ). In one implementation consistent with the present invention, the amount of time may be zero. In other words, the node  110  may continuously transmit proximity alert signals. In other implementations consistent with the present invention, the period of time may be a fixed interval, a random or pseudorandom interval, a combination of fixed and random or pseudorandom intervals, etc. Altering the interval in this manner makes it more difficult for an unintended receiver to detect the proximity alert signal. 
     After the amount of time has passed, the node  10  may transmit a unique “proximity” spreading sequence via transceiver module  230  and antenna  270  (act  330 ). According to an exemplary implementation consistent with the present invention, each node in network  100  may be assigned a unique spreading sequence. The spreading sequence may be implemented as a direct sequence or a frequency hopping sequence and may be relatively long. Alternatively, the spreading sequence may be implemented using other techniques, such as with short pulses employed in ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology. 
     For example, in a direct sequence system, a data signal is “spread” by multiplying the data signal by a binary sequence of chips (i.e., pulses), often referred to as a pseudo-noise code (PN code). The sequence or PN code typically spreads the data signal well beyond the bandwidth needed to transmit the actual data signal. 
     Alternatively, in a frequency hopping system, a data signal may “hop” (i.e., be divided) over a number of frequencies within a spreading bandwidth. The spreading sequence may be a slow frequency hopping (SFH) sequence (i.e., one or more data bits are transmitted within one frequency hop) or a fast frequency hopping (FFH) sequence (i.e., one data bit is divided over a number of frequency hops). In either case, SFH or FFH, the frequency hopping sequence effectively spreads the signal over the spreading bandwidth. 
     In implementations employing UWB technology, a data signal may be transmitted using a series of short, precisely timed pulses. The narrower the pulses, the more widely spread the signal, which may reduce the potential for interference. 
     The present invention advantageously uses the unique spreading sequence (e.g., a direct sequence, a frequency hopping sequence or short pulses in accordance with UWB techniques), as a proximity alert or beaconing signal to other nodes in the network. The unique spreading sequence for each node may be stored in the memory of the particular node, such as memory  210  of node  110 . 
     The node  110 , consistent with the present invention, may transmit the spreading sequence at a low power level via antenna  270 . The particular power level may be based on the configuration of the nodes in network  100 . For example, when the nodes in network  100  are spaced far apart, the power level may be higher than when the nodes in network  100  are deployed fairly close to each other. Other factors that may affect the power levels employed include node mobility, the number of nodes nearby, etc. One of ordinary skill in the art would be able to optimize the power level with which node  110  transmits the spreading sequence to ensure that an intended receiver is able to receive the proximity alert signal, while making it extremely difficult for an unintended receiver to pick out the signal from the noise. For example, transmitting the spreading sequence (i.e., the proximity alert signal) at low power makes it difficult for an unintended receiver to detect the signal because the transmitted power spectral density is extremely low, even with moderate received signal-to-noise ratios in the intended receiver&#39;s detection (decision) bandwidth. 
     In addition, in each case (i.e., direct sequence, frequency hopping or UWB techniques), the spreading sequence employed may also be chosen to suppress signature features in the waveform used, thereby further reducing the chances of unintended detection. For example, each type of PN code, such as M-sequences, Gold codes, Kasami codes, etc., and each type of frequency hopping sequence, such as SFH, FFH, etc., has its own particular characteristics. One of ordinary skill in the art would be able to select the spreading sequence, such as the type of sequence, the length of the sequence, etc, to suppress signature features of the waveform used. This may force an unintended receiver to use radiometric techniques and long integration times in order to attempt to detect the transmissions, thereby making unintended detection of the proximity alert signals much more difficult. 
     After transmitting the spreading sequence, processing returns to act  320  and the process is repeated. That is, the node  10  continues to transmit the spreading sequence (i.e., the proximity alert signal) at the appropriate times to detect neighboring nodes. In an exemplary implementation of the invention, node  10  may adjust the power level with which the proximity alert signal is transmitted when it is unable to form any neighbor relations. For example, if after a number of proximity alert signals have been transmitted and node  10  has received no “exchange of information” messages from other nodes, as described in more detail below, node  10  may increase the power level with which it transmits the proximity alert signal. 
     Assume that another node, such as node  120 , is attempting to receive proximity alert signals, i.e., the spreading sequence, from nodes in network  100 , such as node  10 . In an exemplary implementation, each node in network  100  includes a matched filter designed to detect the spreading code used by one or more other transmitting nodes in network  100 . 
     For example, in an exemplary implementation, node  120  may include a filter that is designed to detect the spreading code or sequence used by node  110  to spread the signal. By using a matched filter, very long integration times (also interpreted as narrow bandwidths in the frequency domain) enable very high process gains. These process gains, however, are only available to receivers or nodes that know the spreading code or sequence. The process gain is commonly known as the ratio of the baud or symbol rate to the chipping rate in direct sequence systems. That is, the process gain is a power ratio and may also be interpreted as the effective loss to an unintended receiver. For example, if the intended receiver integrates its output for 100 seconds to generate a decision and the chipping rate is at 10 million chips-per-second, the process gain is said to be 90 decibels (dB). The receiving node may use this processing gain to detect neighbor nodes, as described in more detail below. 
     Assume that node  120  receives data for some amount of time ( FIG. 4 , act  410 ). For example, node  120  may receive data for a fixed interval, a fixed interval on a schedule, etc. The node  120  may filter the received data, either during or after the receiving period, using a filter that is matched to detect the transmitted waveform associated with the proximity alert signal (act  420 ). For example, as discussed previously, the node  120  may include a filter that is designed to detect the spreading code used by the respective transmitters of other nodes in network  100 , such as node  110 . 
     After filtering the received data, the node  120  may calculate the energy associated with the filtered signal (i.e., from the matched filter) and compare the detected energy to a threshold (act  430 ). When the detected energy exceeds the threshold, this indicates the presence of a neighboring transmitter (i.e., a neighbor node) (act  440 ). The total received energy may provide an indication of the path loss between the transmitter and the receiver (i.e., between node  110  and node  120 ). When the detected energy does not exceed the threshold, node  120  has not detected a neighbor node and the filtered data may be associated with noise (act  450 ). In either case (i.e., a neighbor node was detected or not detected), processing may return to act  410  where node  120  continues to attempt to receive data and detect neighbor nodes. As described previously, the nodes in network  100  may form neighbor relations with a number of nodes. Therefore, even if one neighbor node has been detected, the node  120  may continue to attempt to detect other neighbor nodes so that alternate paths will be available for transmitting data in case one or more nodes fail. 
     As discussed previously, only receivers that know the spreading code or sequence used to transmit the proximity alert signal are able to take advantage of the large processing gains needed to detect the proximity alert signal. As a result, unintended receivers will not be able to detect the proximity alert signals from among other signals/noise. In addition, even if an unintended receiver is able to guess at parameters of the spreading code used to transmit the proximity alert signal, the nodes in network  100  may change parameters in the spreading code to counteract this threat. For example, a node, such as node  110 , may change the parameters in the spreading code at various times (e.g., at predetermined, random or pseudorandom intervals) or may change the parameters in the spreading code used to transmit between various nodes in the network  100  (e.g., in a predetermined, random or pseudorandom manner) to limit the ability of an adversary to exploit a successful detection of a spreading code. In each case, however, the codes actually used are known to the intended receivers so that theses nodes can detect their neighbor nodes. 
     Assume that the detected energy exceeded the threshold ( FIG. 4 , act  440 ; i.e., a neighbor node was detected), node  120  may store information in a routing table indicating that node  110  is a new potential neighbor that has been detected. The stored information may also indicate the node&#39;s identity, as discussed below. Node  120  may also formulate a message containing “information exchange” data ( FIG. 5 , act  510 ). The information exchange data may include an identification of the node that is transmitting the message, forward error correction data, and other fields depending on the type of wireless network protocols being employed. 
     In an exemplary implementation, the node  120  may use a directional antenna to communicate with the newly detected neighbor node  110  (act  520 ). For example, assume antenna  280  of node  120  includes a sectored set of antennas similar to those employed in a cellular base station. In this case, when node  120  detects the proximity alert signal, node  120  determines which antenna in the sectored set of antennas received the proximity alert signal with the highest signal-to-noise ratio. The node  120  may choose this particular directional antenna as the antenna to be used for communicating with the newly detected node  110 . 
     Alternatively, node  120  may include separate sets of antennas for the proximity alert and information exchange messages because these messages may occur in different radio bands. In this case, node  120  may select the antenna(s) in the set of antennas designated for transmitting the information exchange messages that is aligned in the same direction as the best receiving antenna (i.e., the antenna with the highest received signal-to-noise ratio associated with the proximity alert signal). 
     In still another alternative, node  120  may be able to position its antennas in any direction. In this case, node  120  may aim a directional antenna in the direction as the best receiving antenna, if no transmitting antenna is already aligned in the same direction as the best receiving antenna. In yet other implementations, node  120  may include only an omni-directional antenna(s) and act  520  may be bypassed. 
     In any event, node  120  may transmit the information exchange message to node  110  (act  530 ). Node  120 , consistent with the present invention, may select a “global” spreading code for the information exchange messages. That is, node  120  may transmit the information exchange message using a common spreading code or sequence that may be shared by all the nodes in network  100 . In implementations employing UWB technology, node  120  may transmit the information exchange message using a series of short pulses. In this case, the other nodes, such as node  110 , may be configured to detect the particular series of pulses used by other nodes, such as node  120 , in network  100 . 
     Alternatively, node  120  may transmit the information exchange message to node  110  using a unique spreading code or sequence that has been assigned to node  110  (i.e., the node it just detected). For example, the spreading code used to transmit messages to node  110  may be different than the spreading code used to transmit messages to another node, such as node  130 . This may be accomplished in a number of ways. 
     For example, in one implementation, node  120  may determine the identity of the proximate node (i.e., node  110 ), by correlating the unique proximity alert signal to the particular node that transmitted the proximity alert signal. That is, the node  120  may remove the spreading code to de-spread the proximity alert signal and may demodulate the de-spread signal to recover information that identifies the transmitting node (i.e., node  110 ). 
     The node  120  may then access a table located, for example, in memory  210  that correlates each node in network  100  with a unique spreading code to be used for transmissions to that node. Sending the information exchange message on a unique, per-recipient code may provide a higher degree of security than sending it on a spreading code that is shared among all the nodes in network  100 . 
     Node  110  receives the information exchange message from node  120 . Node  110  may then decode the information exchange message and store information associated with node  120  (act  540 ). For example, node  110  may store information in a routing table indicating that node  120  is a neighbor node. This means that node  110  may use node  120  as a next hop for routing data through network  100 . Node  120 , as discussed previously, may store similar information in its memory indicating that node  110  may be used as a next hop for data transmissions through network  100 . The nodes  110  and  120  may also pass other information between themselves to establish the neighbor link, based on the particular type(s) of wireless protocols being employed. 
     As a result, nodes  110  and  120  may transmit data packets to each other and to other nodes in network  100  using the neighbor link they have established (act  550 ). For example, data packets from node  120  may be forwarded to a destination, such as node  130 , via node  110 . In a similar manner, the neighbor link between nodes  10  and  120  may be used to transmit other data packets to their ultimate destinations. 
     Systems and methods consistent with the present invention transmit proximity alert signals with a low probability of detection using spreading sequences. As a result, unintended receivers are unable to detect the proximity alert signals without knowing the spreading sequence. In addition, the proximity alert signals may be transmitted at non-regular intervals at low power levels, thereby further reducing the likelihood of detection by an adversary. 
     The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present invention provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. For example, while the network  100  has been described as an ad hoc wireless network, systems and methods consistent with the present invention may be applicable to other types of networks. In addition, while a series of acts has been described with respect to  FIGS. 3–5 , the order of the acts may be modified in other implementations consistent with the present invention. 
     The present invention has also been described as using a unique spreading sequence per node associated with transmitting the proximity alert signals. In other implementations, all nodes in network  100  may share the same spreading sequence or some of the nodes may share the same spreading sequence. 
     The present invention has further been described as transmitting signals using either a direct sequence, a frequency hopping sequence or UWB techniques. In other implementations, a combination of direct sequences, frequency hopping sequences and UWB techniques may be employed to transmit the proximity alert signals. In these cases, the transmitting and receiving nodes are coordinated so that they are able to identify the sequences or techniques being employed to transmit the proximity alert signals. 
     No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. 
     The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Technology Category: y