Rockwell Collins, Inc.

Titus N Thompson

Jason J Jakusz

Paul A Lenhardt

Joseph C Diner

James W Toothaker

A system and method for dynamic mesh network discovery is disclosed. In embodiments, the system assigns each network asset (e.g., unmanned or manned aircraft or like mobile nodes) a unique asset number. Each asset has a controller coupled to a datalink including antenna elements and a memory for storing an asset table. Each asset periodically broadcasts an asset status message including the asset number. When a status message is received, the receiving asset compares the received asset number to its own asset number. If the received asset number is higher (e.g., of lower priority) than its own asset number, the receiving asset establishes a bidirectional mesh network connection to the broadcasting asset. Assets on the receiving end of a network connection interrogate the establishing asset for its asset number, such that assets on both sides of the connection know the identity of the other and update their asset tables accordingly.

System and method for dynamic mesh network discovery

A navigation system is configured to identify a current location and a destination location of an airborne platform, identify a current cell in which the current location is located; identify a plurality of current neighbors associated with the current cell; calculate, for a first path from the current location to the destination location through a first current neighbor of the plurality of current neighbors, a first value of an objective function, the first value depending on whether the first path includes a predetermined navigational node; calculate, for a second path from the current location to the destination location through a second current neighbor of the plurality of current neighbors, a second value of the objective function depending on whether the second path includes a predetermined navigational node; and output the current neighbor and/or path that satisfies an objective condition based on the values.

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Marion, IA, United States of America

Titus N Thompson