초록 ▼

In the communications network disclosed herein, each of a plurality of similar stations is operated so that the group automatically organizes or configures itself into a multi-layered network for relaying messages from station to station, with some of the stations operating at a relatively high powe

In the communications network disclosed herein, each of a plurality of similar stations is operated so that the group automatically organizes or configures itself into a multi-layered network for relaying messages from station to station, with some of the stations operating at a relatively high power level as message gateways for a cluster of stations operating at lower power thereby to form, through the gateways, a network backbone providing longer distance network links. Initially, individual stations attempt to affiliate at a lower power level with an existing cluster gateway and, if that attempt is unsuccessful, the station switches to a higher power level and commences operation as a cluster gateway. Each cluster gateway periodically communicates data at least identifying to other cluster gateways the non-gateway stations which are affiliated with it. Preferably, if a cluster gateway is within affiliation range with another cluster gateway one of them will terminate cluster gateway status if that termination will not reduce connectivity of the network backbone below a preselected level.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method performed by one of a plurality of similar, interchangeable mobile stations, each of which selectively transmits at a first power level or a second power level, said second power level being greater than said first power level, so as to automatically configure said stations into a multi-

1. A method performed by one of a plurality of similar, interchangeable mobile stations, each of which selectively transmits at a first power level or a second power level, said second power level being greater than said first power level, so as to automatically configure said stations into a multi-tiered network for relaying messages from station to station with at least one of said stations operating at said second power level as an existing message gateway for a cluster of stations, comprising;attempting to establish an affiliation link to the existing message gateway while operating at said first power level; determining whether an affiliation link is successfully established; selecting transmission at the first power level, so as to operate as a member of the cluster of stations corresponding to the existing message gateway based on a determination that the affiliation link is established; and selecting transmission at said second power level so as to operate as a new message gateway based on a determination that an adequate affiliation link cannot be established to the existing message gateway, and, while operating as a message gateways communicating information identifying other mobile stations within the new message gateway's cluster to at least one other message gateway.