Delivery of data packets via aggregated spatial distribution overlay on a mesh network
A plurality of interactive modules are disposed at spaced locations to form an adaptive wireless network. Each module is capable of receiving transmissions of messages or data packets from other modules, and of transmitting messages or data packets to other modules for forming selected transmission paths via one or more modules toward a base station. Upon failure of a transmission path, a module not capable of transmitting a message along a transmission path toward the base station, transmits a message to other of the plurality of modules to form a new transmission path via such other module.
1. A method of operating an adaptive network comprising a base station and a plurality of wireless interactive modules disposed at spaced locations with respect to one another in which each module is capable of receiving and transmitting data packets, the method comprising:
identifying a first predetermined path for sending a first data packet from an originating module to the base station, wherein the first predetermined path comprises a plurality of intermediate path modules;
sending the first data packet from one intermediate path module in the first predetermined path to a next intermediate path module in the first predetermined path;
responsive to the one intermediate path module determining that the next intermediate path module failed to indicate having received the first data packet, the one intermediate path module locally broadcasting the first data packet so as to be received by any of the plurality of wireless interactive modules in the adaptive network within a predetermined local radio distance of the broadcasting one intermediate path module;
the any of the plurality of wireless interactive modules that receives the locally broadcast first data packet then sending an indication of successful broadcast receipt to the broadcasting one intermediate module, wherein the indication of successful broadcast receipt is based on the any of the plurality of wireless interactive modules determining a valid path exists from itself to the base station; and
the locally broadcasting one intermediate path module, upon receipt of a first indication of successful broadcast receipt, ceasing the local broadcasting of the first data packet.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
the broadcasting one intermediate path module re-broadcasting the first data packet if it does not receive an indication that the any of the plurality of wireless interactive modules was successful in receiving the broadcast first data packet.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the next intermediate path module indicating to the one intermediate path module that the first data packet was received by sending a message to the one intermediate path module that includes a unique identification code corresponding to the next intermediate path module.