Ad hoc wireless network using gradient routing

A method for providing a packet radio backup to a wired network comprising:

• coupling a radio transceiver to each of a plurality of nodes of the wired network;
• receiving a packet through the radio transceiver coupled to a first of the nodes of the wired network;
• attempting to forward the packet from the first of the nodes over the wired network;
• and
• forwarding the packet through the radio transceiver couple to the first of the nodes.

A node of a radio network comprising:

• means for delaying re-transmission of a received packet for a delay interval following receipt of the packet;
• means for monitoring transmissions of the packet for other radio nodes during the delay interval;
• and
• means for determining whether to re-transmit the packet according to the monitoring of transmissions of the packet.

Software stored on a computer-readable medium comprising instructions for causing a processor to:

• delay re-transmission of a received packet for a delay interval following receipt of the packet;
• control monitoring for transmissions of the packet for other radio nodes during the delay interval;
• and
• determining whether to re-transmit the packet according to the monitoring of transmissions of the packet.