Method and apparatus for managing an ad hoc wireless network
AssigneeMotorola, Inc.
InventorsThomas Casey Hill, Slim Souissi, Steve Jeffrey Goldberg
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In an ad hoc wireless network having a plurality of members (100) a master, while communicating on a first communication channel, recognizes (202) a need for assistance in managing the network. In response to the need, the master negotiates (204) with a member of the ad hoc wireless network for the member to become a sub-master. The sub-master then assumes (206) management of a portion of the plurality of members. The sub-master and the portion then communicate (208) on a second communication channel negotiated with the master.
Claims24
A method for managing an ad hoc wireless network having a plurality of members, comprising the steps of:
- recognizing, by a master while communicating on a first communication channel, a need for assistance in managing the network;
- negotiating, by the master, with a member of the ad hoc wireless network for the member to become a sub-master, in response to the recognizing step;
- assuming, by the sub-master, management of a portion of the plurality of members to the sub-master, after the negotiating step;
- and
- then communicating, by the sub-master and said portion, on a second communication channel negotiated with the master.
A communication device for managing an ad hoc wireless network having a plurality of members, comprising:
- a transceiver for communicating with another communication device;
- and
- a processor coupled to the transceiver for controlling the transceiver, wherein, when the communication device is acting as a master, the processor is programmed to:
- recognize, while communicating on a first communication channel, a need for assistance in managing the network;
- and
- negotiate with a member of the ad hoc wireless network for the member to become a sub-master, in response to the need, and wherein, when the communication device is acting as the sub-master, the processor is programmed to:
- assume management of a portion of the plurality of members;
- and
- then control the transceiver to communicate with said portion, on a second communication channel negotiated with the master.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.