Radio frequency local area network

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for routing data in a radio data communication system having one or more host computers, one or more intermediate base stations, and one or more RF terminals organizes the intermediate base stations into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically. Communication between the host computer and the RF terminals is achieved by using the network of intermediate base stations to transmit the data.

1 - 24 . (canceled)  
   
   
       25 . In a radio frequency (RF) multi-hop communication network in which the RF multi-hop communication network comprises a mobile communication node and a plurality of bridging nodes, a bridging node of the plurality of bridge nodes comprising: 
 a wireless bridging node configured to form a spanning tree with one or more of other bridging nodes of the plurality of bridging nodes to dynamically arrange and rearrange communication pathways that involve the mobile communication node in relation to the plurality of bridging nodes.    
   
   
       26 . The bridging node according to  claim 25 , wherein the wireless bridging node is configured to revise locally stored information relating to roaming of the mobile communication node within the network.  
   
   
       27 . The bridging node according to  claim 25 , wherein the wireless bridging node is configured to revise locally stored information relating to a location of the mobile communication node within the network.  
   
   
       28 . In a multi-hop communication network in which the multi-hop communication network comprises a plurality of wireless mobile communication nodes and a plurality of bridging nodes, a bridging node of the plurality of bridging nodes comprising: 
 a wireless bridging node configured to form a spanning tree that specifies communication pathways among the plurality of wireless mobile communication nodes.    
   
   
       29 . The bridging node according to  claim 28 , wherein the wireless bridging node is configured to dynamically create and revise the communication pathways with one or more bridging nodes of the plurality of bridging nodes.  
   
   
       30 . The bridging node according to  claim 28 , wherein the wireless bridging node is configured to dynamically create and revise the communication pathways with one or more bridging nodes of the plurality of bridging nodes to maintain connectivity.  
   
   
       31 . The bridging node according to  claim 28 , wherein the wireless bridging node is configured to dynamically revise the communication pathways to enable communication with the wireless mobile communication nodes moving within the network.