Sub-slotting to improve packet success rate in carrier sense multiple access networks

An apparatus, comprising:

• a processor;
• a transceiver configured to communicate in a frequency hopping communication network according to a particular frequency hopping sequence, the particular frequency hopping sequence having a plurality of timeslots each corresponding to a given frequency within the frequency hopping sequence;
• and
• a memory configured to store a process executable by the processor, the process when executed by the processor operable to:
• determine an intention to forward a first packet in a particular timeslot;
• scan in receive mode for an initial portion of the particular timeslot on a particular frequency known to neighbors of the apparatus for reaching the apparatus;
• determine whether the transceiver is receiving a second packet during the initial portion;
• in response to receiving the second packet during the initial portion, remain in receive mode to receive a remainder of the second packet and transmit the first packet once the second packet is received in a remainder of the particular timeslot;
• and
• in response to not receiving the second packet during the initial portion, transmit the first packet during the remainder of the particular timeslot.

A tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable media having software encoded thereon, the software, when executed by a processor on a communication device operating in a frequency hopping communication network according to a particular frequency hopping sequence, the particular frequency hopping sequence having a plurality of timeslots each corresponding to a given frequency within the frequency hopping sequence, operable to:

• determine an intention to forward a first packet in a particular timeslot;
• scan in receive mode for an initial portion of the particular timeslot on a particular frequency known to neighbors of the communication device for reaching the communication device;
• determine whether the communication device is receiving a second packet during the initial portion;
• in response to receiving the second packet during the initial portion, remain in receive mode to receive a remainder of the second packet and transmit the first packet once the second packet is received in a remainder of the particular timeslot;
• and
• in response to not receiving the second packet during the initial portion, transmit the first packet during the remainder of the particular timeslot.