Importance

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Abstract

A connectionless, wireless network (20) includes any number of subscriber units (24) and gateways (22). The subscriber units (24) and gateways (22) are configured to engage in wireless communications with preferably more than one other node. The gateways (22) provide portals through which communications may flow to and from the PSTN (26). A repeating subscriber unit (24) includes a router (34) to aid in routing data conveyances to various communication links (25). A routing table (76) provides intelligence which is independent of other routing tables (76) in other subscriber units (24) and gateways (22) and which indicates a variety of routes for data conveyances. Each repeating subscriber unit (24) makes its own decisions about where to route data conveyances based upon the destinations of the data conveyances and feedback received from neighbors of the repeating subscriber unit (24). Communication links (25) previously selected for routing data conveyances may be altered when conditions warrant. More favorable routes are sought when previously selected routes encounter excessive congestion.

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First Claim