Frequency scanning to form a communication network

Abstract

A node forms a network by scanning for an existing network. If an existing network is not found, the node operates as a network controller node of the first network and admits at least one client node to the first network. As a network controller node, the node designates one of the client nodes as a scout node. The scout node removes itself from the first network and scans for a second network. If the scout node does not return to the first network after a predetermined time, it is assumed that the scout node has found a second network. The network controller node of the first network then designates the remaining client nodes as scout nodes, and then joins the second network as a client node. Therefore, multiple networks are avoided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of operating a first network controller of a first network comprising:
 receiving a request to admit a new preferred network controller; and   handing off a network controller functionality to the new preferred network controller.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first network controller is a first preferred network controller, and the handing off occurs if the new preferred network controller has a higher Media over Coax Alliance revision than the first preferred network controller. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first network controller is a first preferred network controller, and the handing off occurs if the new preferred network controller has a better greatest common denominator modulation profile than the first network controller.