Distributed management of an extended network containing short-range wireless links

An internetworking node included within a first wireless network having a first plurality of wireless nodes and within a second wireless network having a second plurality of wireless nodes, said internetworking node comprising:

• means for receiving a first set of network information relating to said first wireless network, said first set of network information identifying said first plurality of wireless nodes and services offered thereby;
• means for transmitting, to one of said second plurality of wireless nodes, said first set of network information and an identity of said internetworking node;
• means for forwarding message information received from said one of said second plurality of wireless nodes to one of said first plurality of wireless nodes;
• and
• means for forwarding message information received from said one of said first plurality of wireless nodes to said one of said second plurality of wireless nodes.

A method for establishing a first wireless network capable of internetworking with a second wireless network, said method comprising the steps of:

• broadcasting, from a first device, a first network management message specifying an identity and an operating mode of said first node;
• receiving, at a second device, said network management message;
• transmitting, from said second device, a response message specifying an identity of said second device and characteristics of said second wireless network;
• receiving, at said first network device, said notification message;
• and
• broadcasting, from said first device, a second network management message containing information relating to said characteristics of said second wireless network.

An internetworked communication system comprising:

• a first wireless network including a first plurality of wireless nodes;
• a second wireless network including a second plurality of wireless nodes;
• and
• an interconnection network operatively coupled to at least one of said first plurality of wireless nodes and to at least one of said second plurality of wireless nodes, said one of said first plurality of wireless nodes issuing an advertisement within said first wireless network relating to characteristics of said second wireless network.