System and method for communication in a wireless mobile ad-hoc network

Abstract

A system and method for improving digital communication in a wireless mobile ad-hoc network. More specifically, the system includes one or more portable network devices operable to support the seamless operation of a self-initializing, self-healing, adaptive portable network. The portable network devices implement protocols that provide bandwidth management capabilities for use with radios, routers and other wireless network devices. Each portable network device includes at least one wireless transceiver, a processor and control software. The processor and control software are logically coupled to the wireless transceiver to facilitate digital communication via a plurality of communication channels with other network devices.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A portable network device, comprising:
 at least one wireless transceiver providing at least one network port;   a processor with a stored program implementing a wireless mesh data communication protocol to communicate received data to other network devices through one or more network ports connected to other devices in the network; and   a position-identifying device connected to the processor;   wherein the stored program of the processor selectively transmits position information received from the position-identifying device via said wireless transceiver in response to a received wireless administrative signal.   
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the position-identifying device comprises at least one of a satellite receiver and an inertial guidance module. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the portable network device further comprises a locator beacon. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the locator beacon generates at least one of an audible signal and a visual signal. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the processor activates the locator beacon in response to a wireless signal. 
     
     
         17 - 34 . (canceled)