Maintaining area networks in response to losses of coordinators

Abstract

A synchronized wireless network includes a root coordinator and any number of other coordinators that are synchronized with the root coordinator, e.g., according to a communication schedule established by the root coordinator and transmitted to the other coordinators in one or more beacons. The other coordinators coordinate operations of individual area networks by establishing communication schedules for the respective area networks, and transmitting beacons including such other schedules to any number of nodes of such networks. Upon detecting a loss of connectivity with the root coordinator, coordinators or nodes of area networks monitor channels and timeslots for beacons transmitted by other coordinators of the synchronized wireless network, and elect one of their own to serve as a root coordinator, or select one of the other coordinators for synchronization, based on contents of such beacons.

CPC Classifications