ENABLING INTER-NODE COMMUNICATION USING LOCAL COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
Systems and methods disclosed herein provide an inter-node interface for communication between client nodes, such as modems, in a local communication network (LCN), where local data does not pass through a network hub or mobile core. To improve signal strength, SINR and handoff speeds in the LCN, the disclosed systems and methods also enable a client node within the LCN to self-direct simultaneous transmission of a common data packet by a plurality of client nodes, without employing components of the Xhaul transport system for coordination.
1 . A method of enabling a first client node (CN) within a plurality of client nodes to self-direct simultaneous transmission of a common data packet, the method comprising:
a first CN activating a first timer and transmitting the common data packet and transmission timing instructions to a second CN;
the second CN receiving the common data packet and transmission timing instructions, activating a second timer, and forwarding the common data packet and the transmission timing instructions to an n th CN;
the n th CN receiving the common data packet and the transmission timing instructions and starting an n th timer, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 3; and
the first CN, the second CN, and the n th CN simultaneously transmitting the common data packet when the first, second, and n th timers expire.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of CNs forms a local communication network.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the common data packet comprises a destination address within the local communication network.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the CNs are modems, evolved NodeBs (eNBs), base stations, small cells, microcells, optical network terminals (ONTs), or premises gateways.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the CNs is connected to a shared transmission medium.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the transmission timing instructions are updated to account for transmission time prior to being forwarded to a subsequent CN.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the transmission timing instructions designate an amount of time required (i) to recruit a minimum number of CNs, (ii) to recruit all CNs in the LCN, or (iii) for the data packet to travel a selected geographic distance.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the transmission timing instructions comprise a firing squad algorithm.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein at least two of the CNs transmit at radio frequencies that are distinct from one another.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein communication between at least two of the CNs occurs through an intermediary CN.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first CN, the second CN, and/or the nth CN is a set of multiple CNs.