초록 ▼

A method in which incoming RF signals to a given node of a wireless network are detected in real-time by using a comparison circuit for comparing a signal which is indicative of the strength of an incoming RF signal with a prescribed threshold level. The output of the comparison circuit is coupled t

A method in which incoming RF signals to a given node of a wireless network are detected in real-time by using a comparison circuit for comparing a signal which is indicative of the strength of an incoming RF signal with a prescribed threshold level. The output of the comparison circuit is coupled to an input of the digital signal processor (e.g., microprocessor) of the node. The microprocessor is preferably programmed to check this input prior to attempting to transmit data thus minimizing the chances of a collision occuring due to overlapping data transmitting and receiving operations. Preferably, the prescribed threshold level utilized in the comparison circuit of a given node can be selectively varied in order to thereby selectively vary the size of the cell in which the given node resides. In this connection, the neighborhood or cell sizes in which the individual nodes in the network reside are preferably adaptively varied in such a manner as to maximize the data throughput of the entire network. Also disclosed is an individual network node for a wireless network and a wireless network which have the capability of implementing the above-described method.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A network node that is configured for use in a wireless packet-hopping network that includes a plurality of network nodes and at least one control node, comprising:a transceiver, a threshold comparator that is configured to compare a signal strength of a received signal from the transceiver to a

1. A network node that is configured for use in a wireless packet-hopping network that includes a plurality of network nodes and at least one control node, comprising:a transceiver, a threshold comparator that is configured to compare a signal strength of a received signal from the transceiver to a threshold level to provide a comparator output signal, a controller that is configured to enable transmission of packets from the transceiver based on the comparator output signal, wherein: the controller is further configured to: receive one or more commands from the at least one control node, and adjust the threshold level based on the commands from the at least one control node, and the controller is further configured to enable reception of packets by the transceiver based on the comparator output signal, the network node further including a dimming ballast that is configured to control a lamp, and wherein the controller is further configured to control the dimming ballast based on information contained in one or more packets.