Self-forming network

Abstract

A connected computer may be operated as node by inspecting communications from other nodes that pass through that node. From the communications, two or more pointers may be determined for the given node. These pointers may include a first pointer identified by a default designation that links the given node to a first node in the network, and a second pointer to another node. The second pointer may be identified by a determination that a designated criteria has been satisfied after the given node is placed on the network.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for operating a computer as a given node of a network, the method comprising:
 determining a nodal location and a node classification for the given node, wherein determining the nodal location includes determining the nodal location based on a hash value that is between a first limit value and a second limit value, the second limit value representing an upper limit of allowed nodal location;   identifying a nodal location of another node;   monitoring activity that passes through the node; and   from the activity, identifying at least one other node of the network.