Improved path finding in a mesh network

A mesh network comprising a station, the station being for use in a mesh network comprising at least one first station and a second station wherein the station comprises a controller configured to

• receive a path request for a path from the first station to the second station from a transmitting station;
• determine a proposed path between the first station and the second station;
• and
• determine a cost for the proposed path, wherein the controller is characterized in that it is configured to
• determine a received signal strength of the transmitting station;
• retrieve a power output level for the transmitting station as an approximation from the determined received signal strength;
• compare the received signal strength to a desired signal strength;
• determine that the received signal strength is below a second threshold level (RSSIt+D1), and if so, signal for a path request to avoid the signal falling below a first threshold level (RSSIt) by signaling to the transmitting station to increase its power output thereby avoiding a break in the connection;
• and wherein the controller is further configured to include the power output level in the determination of the cost for the proposed path, wherein an increase in power output level leads to an increase in cost for the proposed path.

A method for use in a station for use in a mesh network comprising at least one first station and a second station, wherein the method comprises:

• receiving a path request for a path from the first station the second station;
• determining a proposed path between the first station and the second station;
• and
• determining a cost for the proposed path, wherein the method is characterized in that it further comprises
• determine a received signal strength of the transmitting station;
• retrieve a power output level for the transmitting station as an approximation from the determined received signal strength;
• compare the received signal strength to a desired signal strength;
• determine that the received signal strength is below a second threshold level (RSSIt+D1), and if so signal for a path request to avoid the signal falling below a first threshold level (RSSIt) by signaling to the transmitting station to increase its power output thereby avoiding a break in the connection;
• and
• include the power output level in the determination of the cost for the proposed path, wherein an increase in power output level leads to an increase in cost for the proposed path.

A receiving station use in a mesh network also comprising at least one transmitting station, wherein the receiving station comprises a controller configured to:

• receive a receive signal from the transmitting station;
• and
• determine a received signal strength of the signal, wherein the controller (210) is characterized in that it is configured to
• determine that the received signal strength is below a second threshold level (RSSIt+D1), and if so signal for a path request to avoid the signal falling below a first threshold level (RSSIt) thereby avoiding a break in the connection.

A method for use in a receiving station for use in a mesh network also comprising at least one transmitting station, wherein the method comprises:

• receiving a receive signal from the transmitting station;
• and
• determining a received signal strength of the signal, wherein the method is characterized in that it comprises
• determining that the received signal strength is below a second threshold level (RSSIt+D1), and if so signal for a path request to avoid the signal falling below a first threshold level (RSSIt) thereby avoiding a break in the connection.

A computer readable storage medium encoded with instructions that, when executed on a processor, performs a method for use in a station for use in a mesh network comprising at least one first station and a second station, wherein the method comprises:

• receiving a path request for a path from the first station to the second station;
• determining a proposed path between the first station and the second station;
• and
• determining a cost for the proposed path, wherein the method is characterized in that it further comprises
• determine a received signal strength of the transmitting station;
• retrieve a power output level for the transmitting station as an approximation from the determined received signal strength;
• compare the received signal strength to a desired signal strength;
• determine that the received signal strength is below a second threshold level (RSSIt+D1), and if so signal for a path request to avoid the signal falling below a first threshold level (RSSIt) by signaling to the transmitting station to increase its power output thereby avoiding a break in the connection;
• and
• include the power output level in the determination of the cost for the proposed path, wherein an increase in power output level leads to an increase in cost for the proposed path.