WO2008095127A2

WO2008095127A2 - A hybrid wired and wireless universal access network

Info

Publication number: WO2008095127A2
Application number: PCT/US2008/052701
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Z. Yu; David Hsiongwei Hsu; Henry Zili Zhang
Original assignee: Advanced Technologues Holdings, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-01-31
Filing date: 2008-01-31
Publication date: 2008-08-07
Also published as: WO2008095127A3; EP2115978A2; CN101652968A

Abstract

A hybrid wired and wireless universal access network is provided.

Description

A HYBRID WIRED AND WIRELESS UNIVERSAL ACCESS NETWORK

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a hybrid wired and wireless access communication network. Description of the Background

Technology industry has been undergoing a fundamental change: convergence around Internet as "the center of gravity" is the defining characteristics of the change. The change facilitates an Internet-oriented business & service paradigm shift for communications, computing, and control. In particular, (1) communications refers to integrated networking over heterogeneous network infrastructures, and ubiquitous Internet access over wired and wireless technologies; (2) computing refers to grid computing that unleashes a unlimited computing power by organizing and utilizing a large number of computers over a large geometrical area, and on-demand utility computing enabling some innovative computing service models for cost-performance optimization; and (3) control refers to user-contributing service models (e.g., peer-to-peer) that shift the power and control to users for the first time in technology industry, and individually user optimized with exponential "network-effect" interactions.

The convergence trajectory can be seen evolving in three dimensions: (1) from core transport to edge wired and wireless access (2) from centralized paradigm to distributed paradigm, and (3) from network centric to user centric.

In particular, wireless mesh ad-hoc networking for mobile communications, also referred to as packet radio and Ad-Hoc networking, has generated interest within academia for decades. In practice, historically most of the interest in Ad-Hoc networking has been from the military. Several militaries have developed battlefield applications where troops and vehicles are equipped with Ad-Hoc radios. These troops then form a communication network in a dynamical battlefield environment. As the Internet increasingly becomes mature and ubiquitous, traditional business and services, including communications and commerce, have been migrating over the Internet. A long-standing challenge however remains - Internet access or the "last mile" problem. As Internet access via fixed-lines (e.g., ADSL, Cable, and dedicated lines) has been widely deployed, the development for Internet access via wireless devices (mobile handsets or PCs) is now moved to the center stage of the evolution of the communications industry.

In recent years, Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) based on standard WiFi/WiMax technologies have been extensively developed for mobile and wireless users to access a wired backbone network such as the Internet. WLAN operates in an Ad-Hoc manner typically with single-hop connections. The construction of WLAN consists of Access Points, referred to as "hot spots", connected to a backbone network with wired connections (known as "backhauling"), and WLAN cards in user wireless devices (e.g., mobile handsets or laptop computers). WLAN is widely deployed in the SOHO (Single Office Home Office) environment and concentrated commercial areas (hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, etc.) for Internet access for wireless devices. WLAN also supports other Internet applications such as peer-to-peer communication mainly for VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and file transfer directly between end users.

A key challenge of WLAN is the wireless coverage capability as each access point can only cover for a limited area, typically a few hundred feet in distance due to the fundamental radio transmission limits. To provide ubiquitous wireless Internet access, the hot spot access points have to be deployed in high density. Additionally, it is a significant technology and financial challenge to backhaul each access point with wired connections to Internet. Even more lately, substantial efforts have been made to build a special type of WLAN, the wireless mesh networks, based on the advance of WLAN technologies to reduce the backhauling requirement. In a wireless mesh network, a group of wireless access points are interconnected via wireless radio. Among all access points, only some carefully selected access points are connected to the backbone network (e.g., Internet) via wired connections; other access points can be connected to the backbone network through one or more wireless links to those selected access points and onward to the backbone network from there. Thus every access point in a WLAN can be "backhauled" to the backbone network via "single or multiple hops" of wireless communications. As the result, every access point becomes a "hot spot" (being able to connect to the backbone network, e.g., Internet) without requiring all the access points to be wired to the backbone network, which is a substantial saving in network deployment, and any user who resides nearby any access point in a wireless mesh network would be able to connect to the backbone network.

The wireless mesh network is a strong candidate for a universal wireless access network which allows a user to access the network from anywhere at anytime. There are however some key challenges to build such a network in terms of network performance, financial requirement, and operations complexity: (a) When connecting a user to the backbone network via multiple hop wireless links, the connection performance (bandwidth throughput and/or delay) would be severely degraded as the number of hops increases, which is especially the case when considering wireless link quality is time-varying and unstable (prone to interference from the surrounding environment). Some highly intelligent, real-time dependent network signaling and routing/re-routing protocols need to be designed to optimize for quality-of-service. As the result, the number of wireless hops must be upper-bounded, hence the scale of a wireless mesh network is limited, and the sophisticated networking technologies must be implemented and maintained.

(b) As the number of hops for a connection is limited to improve the scalability of a wireless mesh network, still a substantial portion of access points needs to be wired to the backbone network. Immense financial investment is thus required to deploy sufficient number of access points with sufficient number of backhauling wired connections for building and operating a sophisticated large-scale wireless mesh network.

(c) From the network deployment operations perspective, to deploy a large number of access points in a commercial or "open space" area, not only the deployed access points need to be maintained and managed with substantial cost, municipal governmental approvals must be sought and granted to make such a network deployment feasible.

Therefore, the operations complexity and associated cost to build a high- performance conventional wireless mesh network can be horrendous. What is needed is a solution of how to make the evolving advanced wireless mesh networking technologies to be integrated with and leveraged over the current and possible future network infrastructure for ubiquitous wireless access. An ideal solution would enable a seamless deployment of a universal access network, connected possibly by the mixed wired and wireless links, or a hybrid wired and wireless universal access network, with high- performance and minimal operations complexity for deployment and maintenance.

The various embodiments described below address the above-described problems tcPbuild such a hybrid wired and wireless universal access network. The objective of such a network would serve as an "enabling" network superimposing over various existing networks for network access and network and service interworking, while the network is self-contained to form a network by its own, and to also serve as a multi-purpose "platform" network over which many existing and future innovative applications and business models can be enabled for communications, computing, and control. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a Hybrid wired and wireless Universal Access Network (HUAN), referred to as the RizoNet. The RizoNet comprises dynamically deployed gateway switches, called the RizoNodes, as the network nodes. Each gateway switch may connect to multiple existing networks, such as Mobile Cellular networks, Internet, PSTN, a fixed wireless backhauling network, a cable network, a wired local area network (LAN), a WiFi/WiMax network, and combinations thereof. The RizoNodes are interconnected with each other via either specially designed wireless links or connections over the multiple existing networks they connect to, or both. As the result, the RizoNet can provide service access and service interworking over the RizoNet and the multiple existing networks the RizoNet superimposes to. A path connecting two RizoNodes in the RizoNet may comprise a sequence of network nodes interconnected by a mixture of either wired or wireless links as performance allows for end-to-end quality of service. The scalability of the RizoNet is no longer constrained as the number of hops for a path between two RizoNodes is not constrained.

A gateway switch RizoNode comprises a processor engine, operating system and protocol stacks, memory storage, and a wide range of access and network interface modules. In some embodiments, a RizoNode comprises (a) a set of transmitting devices, (b) a switching and control device, and (c) a set of receiving devices. The set of transmitting devices are capable of transmitting voice or data signal over a wired or wireless network. The set of receiving devices are capable of receiving voice or data signal from a wired or wireless network. The switching and control device is capable of receiving the incoming voice or data signal from the set of receiving devices, and then processing and converting the signal to appropriate formats with certain designated identifiers and sending to a specific transmitting device according to service specific rules for forwarding to a specific wired or wireless network by establishing different connections to the existing networks attached to the RizoNode. In some embodiments, the transmitting or receiving devices comprise a Cellular Mobile module, a Local Area Networks (LAN) module, a Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) module, a Cable module, and a landline PSTN module. In some embodiments, a RizoNode includes a System Control module for system control and management and a Switching module for converting and transferring traffic from one type to another type, and from one network to another network.

In some embodiments, the service specific rule can comprise forwarding rules based on a wireless voice service plan of a user. In some embodiments, the service specific rule can comprise forwarding rules based on a mobile voice or data service plan of a user, hi some embodiments, the service specific rule can comprise forwarding rules based on a landline telephone voice or data service plan of a user. Pn some embodiments, the service specific rule can comprise forwarding rules based on an Internet voice or data service plan of a user. In some embodiments, the identifier comprises a landline phone number, a wireless phone number, an IP address, a VOIP account ED, or a combination thereof. The gateway switch RizoNodes form the hybrid wired and wireless universal access network RizoNet. The backbone network behind the RizoNet can be a wired or wireless entity. In some embodiments, the backbone network can be Internet, a fixed wireless backhauling network, a cable network, a landline PSTN network, a wired local area network (LAN), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the RizoNet can further comprise one or more subnetworks, called RizoCells. A RizoCell can include at least one regular RizoNode, called RN, and at least one super RizoNode, called SN, which is a leader in a subnetwork for coordination and management. A RizoCell is a network cluster in which one or more SNs and a set of RNs form an integral subnetwork domain. In some embodiments, the RizoNet include two or more RizoCells, in which the two RizoCells can be connected via IP tunnels by SNs in respective RizoCells. In some embodiments, each RizoCell can include a dedicated IW- Gateway, and two RizoCells can be connected by a dedicated trunk between the two IW- Gateways in the respective RizoCells.

An SN in a RizoCell can be selected from RNs according to a criteria or a set of criteria. Some examples of such criteria can be location coordinates, network topology, processing capacity of the node, handover capability, service profile, service availability, performance level, routing metrics, accounting and billing policy, and some other administrative policy. All the SNs in a RizoCell are fully connected via EP tunnels. Some special protocol is designed to maintain the connectivity among the SNs in a RizoCell. Each SN in a RizoCell maintains the network topology for the RizoCell, and serves as the default gateway router for routing traffic for other RNs in the RizoCell.

An SN can also be used to create and manage a virtual "aggregate link" for a specific RizoNode in a RizoCell. Note that each RizoNode may be connected to multiple existing networks by itself, and connected to all other RizoNodes via single- or multiple- hop wireless links in the RizoCell. When a RizoNode in a RizoCell requires a large bandwidth to connect to an existing network (e.g., Internet) for, e.g., download a large video file or play an interactive video game, an SN in the RizoCell can create an "aggregate" link for the RizoNode by combining the available (unused) bandwidth connecting to the existing networks (e.g., Internet) from other RizoNodes in the RizoCell, and making the combined bandwidth available for the RizoNode. Now when the RizoNode wants to download a large file, the segments of the file will be sent to the RizoNode from the existing networks and other neighboring RizoNodes via different wired and wireless connections, and then reassembled locally to the original file at the RizoNode. A special link aggregation software program operates at the SN and all the RizoNodes in the RizoCell to enable such a bandwidth aggregation function. As the result, each RizoNode is enhanced with a much larger total bandwidth connecting to the existing networks (e.g., Internet) depending on how much available bandwidth can be gathered from the neighboring RizoNodes in the RizoCell.

Each SN is also connected via a network management protocol such as SNMP to a centralized Network Management System (NMS) of the RizoNet. In some embodiments, the NMS of the RizoNet provides a full range of so-called FCAPS management functions: Fault management, Configuration management, Accounting management, Provisioning management, and Security management, to manage all the RizoNodes in the RizoNet.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of communication using the RizoNet described herein. The method includes the acts of (a) sending a voice or digital content through the RizoNet described above or multiple existing networks the RizoNet superimposes to, (b) receiving the voice or digital content, and (c) interworking (converting) the voice or digital content from one network to another network.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of content distribution using the RizoNet described herein. The method includes the acts of (a) authenticating and establishing peer-to-peer connections between two users or among a group of users, (b) delivering content (such as text, music, and video) transaction between two users or among a group of users, and (c) managing the content distribution transaction for resource allocation and sharing, virtual "aggregation" link creation and management for a RizoNode, content segmentation and reassembly, content cache, content directory management, book-keeping and billing.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of distributed computation on a project using the RizoNet described herein. The method includes the acts of (a) identifying the RizoNodes as distributed computers to participate the distributed grid computing according to a criterion, (b) dividing the computation project according to an algorithm, (c) distributing the computation project according to an algorithm over the RizoNodes selected for the computation project, and (d) launching the grid computing over the participating RizoNodes using a network operating system, and (e) receiving the computation results from the participating RizoNodes and synthesizing and reporting for the final result for the computation project.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of control and management for home networking. The method includes the acts of (a) communicating to household electronics devices (e.g., TV, refrigerator, stereo, air-conditioner, cooking equipment, security system, and other home entertainment devices, etc.) according to a protocol from a RizoNode which serves as the control and management center for a household, (b) configuring the household electronics devices remotely through the RizoNode over the RizoNet, and (c) receiving and monitoring the status of electronics devices remotely through the RizoNode over the RizoNet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure Ia shows an embodiment of the gateway switch RizoNode that serves as a network demarcation and service-enabling platform for service access and network and service interworking.

Figure Ib shows an embodiment of the system architecture of the gateway switch RizoNode, which is also referred to as a Y-Port. Figure 2a shows an embodiment of the overall network architecture of the hybrid wired and wireless universal access network RizoNet of the present invention built by the gateway switch RizoNodes.

Figure 2b shows an embodiment of the subnet RizoCell subnetworking hierarchy of the RizoNet of the present invention.

Figure 2c shows an embodiment of the networking/routing mechanism for communications of the RizoNet of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the network management system (MNS) of RizoNet of the present invention, which is also referred to as Z-Center. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the content distribution network of the RizoNet of the present invention.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the grid computing network of the RizoNet of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the home networking network of the RizoNet of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a Hybrid wired and wireless Universal Access

Network (HUAN), referred to as the RizoNet. The RizoNet comprises dynamically deployed gateway switches, called the RizoNodes, as the network nodes. Each gateway switch may connect to multiple existing networks, such as Mobile Cellular networks,

Internet, PSTN, a fixed wireless backhauling network, a cable network, a wired local area network (LAN), a WiFi/WiMax network, and combinations thereof. The RizoNodes are interconnected with each other via either specially designed wireless links or connections over the multiple existing networks they connect to, or both. As the result, the RizoNet can provide service access and service interworking over the RizoNet and the multiple existing networks the RizoNet superimposes to. A path connecting two RizoNodes in the RizoNet may comprise a sequence of network nodes interconnected by a mixture of either wired or wireless links as performance allows for end-to-end quality of service. The scalability of the RizoNet is no longer constrained as the number of hops for a path between two RizoNodes is not constrained.

A gateway switch RizoNode comprises a processor engine, operating system and protocol stacks, memory storage, and a wide range of access and network interface modules. Li some embodiments, a RizoNode comprises (a) a set of transmitting devices, (b) a switching and control device, and (c) a set of receiving devices. The set of transmitting devices are capable of transmitting voice or data signal over a wired or wireless network. The set of receiving devices are capable of receiving voice or data signal from a wired or wireless network. The switching and control device is capable of receiving the incoming voice or data signal from the set of receiving devices, and then processing and converting the signal to appropriate formats with certain designated identifiers and sending to a specific transmitting device according to service specific rules for forwarding to a specific wired or wireless network by establishing different connections to the existing networks attached to the RizoNode. hi some embodiments, the transmitting or receiving devices comprise a Cellular Mobile (GSM, CDMA, CDMA2000, WCDMA, TD-SCDMA) module, a LAN (Ethernet) module, a Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN, WiFi or WiMax) module, and a landline PSTN module, hi some embodiments, a RizoNode includes a System Control module for system control and management and a Switching module for converting and transferring traffic from one type to another type, and from one network to another network.

In some embodiments, the service specific rule can comprise forwarding rules based on a wireless voice service plan of a user. In some embodiments, the service specific rule can comprise forwarding rules based on a mobile voice or data service plan of a user. In some embodiments, the service specific rule can comprise forwarding rules based on a landline telephone voice or data service plan of a user. In some embodiments, the service specific rule can comprise forwarding rules based on a voice or data service plan to establish the connection (traditional or VOIP) over the PSTN network, the Cable network, the Internet, the Cellular network, or the WiFi/WiMax mesh wireless network. In some embodiments, the identifier comprises a landline phone number, a wireless phone number, an IP address, a VOIP account ID, or a combination thereof.

The gateway switch RizoNodes form the hybrid wired and wireless universal access network RizoNet. The backbone network behind the RizoNet can be a wired or wireless entity. In some embodiments, the backbone network can be Internet, a fixed wireless backhauling network, a cable network, a landline PSTN network, a wired local area network (LAN), and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the RizoNet can further comprise one or more subnetworks, called RizoCells. A RizoCell can include at least one regular RizoNode, called RN, and at least one super RizoNode, called SN, which is a leader in a subnetwork for coordination and management. A RizoCell is a network cluster in which one or more SNs and a set of RNs form an integral subnetwork domain. In some embodiments, the RizoNet include two or more RizoCells, in which the two RizoCells can be connected via IP tunnels by SNs in respective RizoCells. hi some embodiments, each RizoCell can include a dedicated IW- Gateway, and two RizoCells can be connected by a dedicated trunk between the two IW- Gateways in respective RizoCells.

An SN in a RizoCell can be selected from RNs according to a criteria or a set of criteria. Some examples of such criteria can be location coordinates, network topology, processing capacity of the node, handover capability, service profile, service availability, performance level, routing metrics, accounting and billing policy, and some other administrative policy. All the SNs in a RizoCell are fully connected via IP tunnels. Some special protocol is designed to maintain the connectivity among the SNs in a RizoCell. Each SN in a RizoCell maintains the network topology for the RizoCell, and serves as the default gateway router for routing traffic for other RNs in the RizoCell.

An SN can also be used to create and manage a virtual "aggregate link" for a specific RizoNode in a RizoCell. Note that each RizoNode may be connected to multiple existing networks by itself and to any or all other RizoNodes via single- or multiple-hop wireless links in the RizoCell. When a RizoNode in a RizoCell requires a large bandwidth to connect to an existing network (e.g., Internet) for (e.g., when downloading a large video file or play an interactive video game), an SN in the RizoCell can create an "aggregate" link for the RizoNode by combining the available (unused) bandwidth to connect to the existing networks (e.g., Internet) from other RizoNodes in the RizoCell and make the combined bandwidth available for the RizoNode. When the RizoNode downloads a large file, the segments of the file will be sent to the RizoNode from the existing networks and other neighboring RizoNodes via different wired and wireless connections, and then reassembled locally to the original file at the RizoNode. A special link aggregation software program operates at the SN and all the RizoNodes in the RizoCell to enable such a bandwidth aggregation function. As a result, each RizoNode is enhanced with a much larger total bandwidth connecting to the existing networks (e.g., Internet) depending on how much available bandwidth can be gathered from the neighboring RizoNodes in the RizoCell. Note that the content of the download file must be pre-segmented by a special database server, e.g., a network management system server of the RizoNet, to coordinate such a download service for content segment assignment and management (e.g., content segment detection and retransmission). The following paragraph describes this embodiment in more detail.

Assume some or all of the RizoNodes in a network cluster are connected to a backbone network (e.g., Internet). A network cluster can be a RizoCell or a subset of a RizoCell, and there is at least on SN in a network cluster. A Virtual Aggregate Link (VAL) to a backbone network (e.g., Internet) for a network cluster is defined as a virtual link with aggregate bandwidth connecting to the backbone network (e.g., Internet) from all the RizoNodes within the network cluster. In the context of VAL, each connection to the backbone network (e.g., Internet) is called a Component Link (CL). So the VAL for a network cluster is formed by a set of CLs in a network cluster, and can be used by the users in the network cluster in a shared fashion. To access to the backbone network: without the mechanism of the VAL, a RizoNode can only use the bandwidth up to its CL bandwidth; with the mechanism of the VAL, a RizoNode now can use its CL bandwidth (which directly connects to the RizoNode from the backbone network), plus all the unused bandwidth of the CLs from other RizoNodes (which indirectly connects to the RizoNodes from the backbone network via other RizoNodes with one or multiple-hop over the RizoCell, or network cluster). The SN in the network cluster manages the VAL bandwidth-sharing mechanism (protocol) with a bandwidth-sharing algorithm for the RizoNodes in the network cluster. In principle, the VAL mechanism is comparable to an existing peer-to-peer content delivery technology (e.g., Napster, BitTorrent, Gnutella): the existing peer-to-peer content delivery mechanism enables the delivery of a requested content efficiently from different sources simultaneously (each of which delivers only a portion, or segment of the requested content and then reassembled at the inquirer's site), which is a "sharing mechanism" at the (content delivery) application layer of the network; the VAL however is a "sharing mechanism" at the network link or infrastructure layer. Each SN is also connected via a network management protocol such as SNMP to a centralized Network Management System (NMS) of the RizoNet. In some embodiments, the NMS of the RizoNet provides a full range of so-called FCAPS management functions: Fault management, Configuration management, Accounting management, Provisioning management, and Security management, to manage all the RizoNodes in the RizoNet. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of communication using the RizoNet described herein. The method includes the acts of (a) sending a voice or digital content through the RizoNet described above or multiple existing networks the RizoNet superimposes to, (b) receiving the voice or digital content, and (c) interworking (converting) the voice or digital content from one network to another network. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of content distribution using the RizoNet described herein. The method includes the acts of (a) authenticating and establishing peer-to-peer connections between two users or among a group of users, (b) delivering content (such as text, music, and video) transaction between two users or among a group of users, and (c) managing the content distribution transaction for resource allocation and sharing, content segmentation and reassembly, content cache, content directory management, book-keeping and billing.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of distributed computation on a project using the RizoNet described herein. The method includes the acts of (a) identifying the RizoNodes as distributed computers to participate the distributed grid computing according to a criterion, (b) dividing the computation project according to an algorithm, (c) distributing the computation project according to an algorithm over the RizoNodes selected for the computation project, and (d) launching the grid computing over the participating RizoNodes using a network operating system, and (e) receiving the computation results from the participating RizoNodes and synthesizing and reporting for the final result for the computation project. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of control and management for home networking. The method includes the acts of (a) communicating to household electronics devices (e.g., TV, refrigerator, stereo, air-conditioner, cooking equipment, security system, and other home entertainment devices, etc.) according to a protocol from a RizoNode which serves as the control and management center for a household, (b) configuring the household electronics devices remotely through the RizoNode over the RizoNet, and (c) receiving and monitoring the status of electronics devices remotely through the RizoNode over the RizoNet.

The Gateway Switch RizoNode Figure Ia illustrates a general network view of the RizoNode as a network demarcating and service enabling platform for service access and network and service interworking. A RizoNode connects to multiple existing networks, such as Mobile Cellular networks, Internet, PSTN, and WiFi/WiMax networks. In a distributed fashion, a RizoNode sits between above-mentioned multiple existing networks to convert and transfer traffic from one type to another type, and from one network to another network.

Figure Ib illustrates the system architecture of the RizoNode. A RizoNode is a gateway switch that comprises a processor engine, operating system and protocol stacks, memory storage, and a wide range of access and network interface modules. In some embodiments, a RizoNode comprises (a) a set of transmitting devices, (b) a switching and control device, and (c) a set of receiving devices. The set of transmitting devices are capable of transmitting voice or data signal over a wired or wireless network. The set of receiving devices are capable of receiving voice or data signal from a wired or wireless network. The switching and control device is capable of receiving the incoming voice or data signal from the set of receiving devices, and then processing and converting the signal to appropriate formats with certain designated identifiers and sending to a specific transmitting device according to service specific rules for forwarding to a specific wired or wireless network. In some embodiments, the transmitting or receiving devices comprise a Cellular Mobile (GSM, CDMA, CDMA2000, WCDMA, TD-SCDMA) module, a LAN (Ethernet) module, a Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN, WiFi or WiMax) module, and a landline PSTN module. In some embodiments, a RizoNode includes a System Control module for system control and management and a Switching module for converting and transferring traffic from one type to another type, and from one network to another network.

In some embodiments, the service specific rule can comprise forwarding rules based on a wireless voice service plan of a user. In some embodiments, the service specific rule can comprise forwarding rules based on a mobile voice or data service plan of a user. In some embodiments, the service specific rule can comprise forwarding rules based on a landline telephone voice or data service plan of a user. In some embodiments, the service specific rule can comprise forwarding rules based on a voice or data service plan to establish the connection (traditional or VOIP) over the PSTN network, the Cable network, the Internet, the Cellular network, or the WiFi/WiMax mesh wireless network. In some embodiments, the identifier comprises a landline phone number, a wireless phone number, an IP address, a VOIP account ID, or a combination thereof. The Hybrid Universal Access Network RizoNet The gateway switch RizoNodes form the hybrid wired and wireless universal access network RizoNet. The backbone network behind the RizoNet can be a wired or wireless entity. In some embodiments, the backbone network can be Internet, a fixed wireless backhauling network, a cable network, a landline PSTN network, a wired local area network (LAN), and combinations thereof. Figure 2a illustrates the general network architecture of the hybrid wired and wireless universal access network RizoNet of the present invention built by the gateway switch RizoNodes. The RizoNet connects to one or multiple backbone networks, which can be Internet, a mobile cellular network, a cable network, a landline PSTN or a public wireless network.

The nodes in the RizoNet are the gateway switch RizoNodes which are connected in two ways: (1) Vertically, a RizoNode is a gateway connecting to Internet, mobile network, cable network, PSTN and switching traffic between the networks, and (2) Horizontally, RizoNodes connect with each other through WiFi/WiMax to form a wireless mesh network. As a result, RizoNet is a 3 -dimensional hybrid access network in which two RizoNodes can be connected by multi-hop WiFi/WiMax (horizontal) connections, or Internet/Mobile/Cable/Landline {vertical) connections, or a path mixed with the two types of connections. Furthermore, RizoNet is a "5-in-l" access network that integrates and interoperates over five networks: Internet, Mobile, Cable, PSTN, and WiFi/WiMax networks. From the network topology perspective, the RizoNet is a network based on a "hyper-graph", i.e., multiple heterogeneous direct links between a pair of nodes in the network topology graph.

A RizoNode is a "plug-and-play" gateway switch deployed at a user site, and only deployed at a user site when a user subscribes some service offerings from the RizoNet. No special maintenance is needed for a RizoNode. The RizoNet have some unique characteristics: (1) RizoNet is stochastic and pervasive: (a) Users' network - no users, no network (b) "Give & take" duality - "Give" (joining network) is much greater than "take" (using service), (2) RizoNet is self-organizing: (a) No traditional networking planning needed, (b) No dedicated network transport infrastructure to deploy, (c) Network grows "randomly" - wherever users turn up, the network grows to, (3) RizoNet is "self- enhancing" in network capacity: the more users, the larger capacity the network becomes. These make the scalability of the RizoNet unconstrained. Furthermore, the RizoNet can provide a wide range of voice (e.g., VOIP), data (e.g., text, music, video), network (peer- to-peer, content distribution, grid computing), and home-networking services. Figure 2b illustrates the subnet RizoCell subnetworking hierarchy of the RizoNet of the present invention, in accordance with aspects of the invention. In some embodiments, the RizoNet can further comprise one or more subnetworks, called RizoCells. A RizoCell can include at least one regular RizoNode, called RN, and at least one super RizoNode, called SN, which is a leader in a subnetwork for coordination and management. A RizoCell is a network cluster in which one or more SNs and a set of RNs form an integral subnetwork domain. In some embodiments, the RizoNet include two or more RizoCells, in which the two RizoCells can be connected via IP tunnels by SNs in respective RizoCells. In some embodiments, each RizoCell can include a dedicated IW- Gateway at the boundary of the RizoCell, and two RizoCells can be connected by a direct trunk (e.g. private line or microwave link) between the two IW-Gateways in the respective RizoCells.

A SN in a RizoCell can be selected from RNs according to a criteria or a set of criteria. Some examples of such criteria can be location coordinates, network topology, processing capacity of the node, handover capability, service profile, service availability, performance level, routing metrics, accounting and billing policy, and some other administrative policy. All the SNs in a RizoCell are fully connected via IP tunnels. Some special protocol is designed to maintain the connectivity among the SNs in a RizoCell. Each SN in a RizoCell maintains the network topology for the RizoCell, and serves as the default gateway router for routing traffic for other RNs in the RizoCell. Each SN is also connected via a network management protocol such as SNMP to a centralized Network Management System (NMS) of the RizoNet.

Each RizoCell has at least one RizoNode as the SN. The SN acts as a gateway for the RizoCell where the SN resides in connecting to other RizoCells and existing networks the RizoNet superimposes to.

In principle, a RizoNode can have multiple wireless links to connect to multiple neighboring RizoNodes that are within the reach of wireless coverage from the RizoNode. Given a destination for a RizoNode to send a packet from a starting RizoNode, a routing algorithm can be designed to compute one or more paths from the starting RizoNode to the destination RizoNode based on a routing computation algorithm. A path comprises a sequence of RizoNodes, called "hops", from the starting RizoNode to the destination RizoNode, the links connecting the sequence of RizoNodes can be hybrid, either wireless links or the DP tunnels. Among the multiple paths selected, one path is called "primary" path that is used as the "default path", and the next RizoNode from the starting RizoNode in the primary path is called the "default next hop" (or just "next hop"). AU the other paths are referred to as "backup paths" in certain order of priority: when the primary path is not available (e.g., due to the link or node breakdown along the path), the first backup path would become the primary path, and if the first backup path is not available, the second backup path would become the primary path, and so on so forth.

A node discovery and routing protocol with a path computation algorithm is designed to determine next-hops and end-to-end paths. The algorithm is a QoS-based "shortest-path" routing algorithm that computes the next-hops and the end-to-end for one or multiple "shortest" paths between any two pair of nodes in the network. For a given RizoNet, horizontal (wireless) links are determined based on the wireless coverage, and RizoCells and SNs and hence vertical (IP tunnels between SNs, and dedicated trunks between two IW-Gateways for two RizoCells) links are determined based on the SN selection and RizoCell partition algorithms. Each link is assigned with a "distance" which is based on the performance metrics (e.g., bandwidth and delay, stability of the link, etc.) and administrative metrics (e.g., type of the link, location of the link, cost of the link, etc.). From a SN in a RizoCell, it runs a path computation algorithm to compute all the paths from each of the RizoNode in the RizoCell to every other RizoNode in the network. The SN store the paths and distribute the paths to corresponding RizoNodes in the RizoCell for their packet forwarding. The paths are re-calculated and updated by the SN when the network conditions changes (such as a new RizoNode join to the network, some link down, etc.) through the SN, every RizoNode maintains the latest network topology view and pre-calculated paths to every other RizoNode in the RizoNet.

The path computation algorithm considers both the horizontal links and vertical links in the network topology. In some embodiments, for a path within a RizoCell, the path computation algorithm may mainly consider horizontal links for intra-RizoCell path, while for a path cross over multiple RizoCells, the path computation algorithm may consider vertical links for inter-RizoCell path.

Figure 2c shows the routing protocol procedure of routing a pack from the source node Node-1 to the destination node Node-n. Node-1 has neighbors Nodes 2, 3, 4 within its wireless range. From the routing algorithm, the path (Node-1, Node-2, Node-7, ..., Node-n) is the primary path, while the path (Node-1, Node-4, Node-6, ..., Node-n) is the backup path. When Node-1 transmits a packet to Node-n with Node-2 's address as the next-hop address in the packet header. Although Node-2 is the intended next hop for the packet, the packet nevertheless reaches Node-2, Node-3, Node-4 (for they are the neighbors in the wireless range). An exemplary communication of packet among the nodes is described below: a) When Node-2 receives the packet, it checks the packet header and finds itself the intended receiver. So it takes the packet and checks the destination address of the packet that is Node-n's address. Thus Node-2 puts Node-7's address as the next-hop and retransmits it to reach Node-7 as the intended receiver toward Node-n; and b) When Node-3 and Node-4 receive the packet, they check the packet header and find they are not the intended receivers. So Node-3 and Node-4 discard the packet. Note that Node-3 and Node-4 do not broadcast the unintended packet any further in the network.

For this communication session, among all the neighbors for Node-1, effectively, Node-2 is "active" while Node-3 and Node-4 are "inactive" in the network topology for routing. If the primary path is not available for some reasons, the backup path now becomes the primary path. Now Node-1 puts Node-4 's address as the next-hop address in the packet header, and upon receiving the packet, Node-2 and Node-3 will discard the packet (as they are not intended receivers) but Node-4 will process the packet and put the Node-6's address as the next-hop and retransmits it to reach Node-6 as the intended receiver toward Node-n.

The RizoNet can be ideal for neighborhood and community networking. In neighborhood networking from the RizoNodes installed at households enable connections between houses. This network is utilized for communication between neighbors and as an access network by ISPs. Computers and PDA's in houses utilize RizoNodes as access points. In areas where wireless coverage is not available, the RizoNet dynamically extends the wireless coverage. An ISP (Internet Service Providers) can build one or more network POPs (Point-of-Presence) to connect to a few RizoNodes in the RizoNet to access users of each household and bring them to Internet. Other Service Providers or business entities can utilize the RizoNet to provide value-added services, such as real estate management and neighborhood security services (e.g. surveillance cameras).

The Network Management System of the RizoNet Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the network management system (MNS) of

RizoNet of the present invention, which is also referred to as Z-Center.

Z-Center is a server or a set of servers to manage RizoNodes (SNs and RNs) in RizoNet over Internet. It can access SNs via Internet access from the subscribing sites where the SNs reside, then access other RNs from the SNs via wireless connections. In some embodiments, a management protocol such as SNMP is designed to communicate between Z-Center and RizoNodes for management information. In some embodiments, the NMS of the RizoNet Z-Center provides a full range of general FCAPS management functions, including Fault management, Configuration management, Accounting management, Provisioning management, and Security management, to manage all the RizoNodes in the RizoNet.

In particular, Z-Center provides the functions for RizoNode authentication and registration, enabling or disabling a RizoNode, SN assignment whenever needed (overwrite RizoNode's self-initiated assignment algorithm in a RizoCell), enabling RizoNodes for other tasks/applications (e.g., content distribution, grid computing). The access to the RizoNet can be limited to authorized nodes, but also unlimited access is possible. Each RizoNode is assigned with a hard-coded special node identification, Node-ID, before installed in the network. When a RizoNode is installed by the user at the user's site, the initialization program of the RizoNode will automatically set up an EP connection to the Z-Center to register itself. Upon the successful registration and authentication from the Z-Center, the RizoNode is assigned with some other identifiers (such as its own IP address, its SN IP address in the RizoCell it resides) and becomes functional to start to exchange messages with its neighbors and SNs in the RizoCell.

Each RizoNode in the network can filter traffic to/from access network and discard access rights through the node. The basic authorization could be based on either the authentication between any two nodes or their respective authentication with the Z-Center. Anonymous nodes may join the RizoNet with accepted authorization certificates.

For the registration and authentication for a user to access the RizoNet, the user must go through a registration process such as visit a RizoNet's website to register and get an ID assigned. With the user H) assigned, the user can access the RizoNet from any RizoNode in any place within the RizoNet coverage.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the Z-Center may include other special servers to manage other services. For example, registration and fall-back servers may be provided to enable a peer-to-peer content distribution network, some application servers may be provided to enable location-based service network, and resource management servers may be provided to enable a grid computing network.

The Content Distribution Network of the RizoNet

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the Content Distribution Network (CDN) of the RizoNet of the present invention. RizoNet can support a variety of applications including file sharing, large-scale storage systems (build on top of basic location and routing systems), and media streaming and content distribution.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of content distribution using the systems described herein. The method includes the acts of (a) authenticating and establishing peer-to-peer connections between two users or among a group of users, (b) delivering content (such as text, music, and video) transaction between two users or among a group of users, and (c) managing the content distribution transaction for resource allocation and sharing, virtual "aggregate" link creation and management for a RizoNode, content segmentation and reassembly, content cache, content directory management, book-keeping and billing.

In some embodiments, the CDN of the RizoNet maintains a Peer-to-Peer architecture in which some RizoNodes are peers with each other. Resource sharing occurs directly between peers, and peers can join or leave the CDN any time. The P2P CDN of the RizoNet can be (1) Fully decentralized all peers are equivalent (2) P2P with centralized directory in which peer nodes interacts directly while the a central server at the Z-Center provides directory service (3) Hybrid P2P, peers based on SNs offer special services such as location and routing to peers based on RNs of the RizoNet. In some embodiments, the P2P CDN of the RizoNet provides classification of peers and peer groups with an overlay structure of peers in terms of locations. The peers are organized into a hash table or tree (e.g., Distributed Hash Table) so that the location of files or other objects based on the structure. The routing of files for the content distribution network is performed based on the structure and utilizes the previously mentioned underlying routing protocol for communications of the RizoNet.

When a group of RizoNodes joins the CDN of the RizoNet, the topology of the CDN needs to be determined. Some criterions (e.g., based on proximity, latency for communications, etc.) are set to determine who the neighbors in the sense of CDN are with each other. A routing algorithm is designed to determine how to choose neighbor and next hops for a request. The routing algorithm considers the geometric aspect of the choice of neighbors and next hops.

When a peer wants to search for a particular file (e.g., music, video), it sends request to a SN-based peer asking for the file. If the SN peer has the knowledge which peers have the file, it responds to the query peer with the potential peers that holds the file. The query peer then pings the potential peers and select the best peer (e.g., based on the shortest path, transfer rate, etc.) to set a direct connection for download. The SN in the RizoCell the requesting RizoNode (or requesting peer) resides will set up a virtual "aggregate" link for the requesting RizoNode by combining the available (unused) bandwidth from the group of other RizoNodes in the RizoCell. The identified RizoNode (peer) that holds the file will send the segments of the file to the requesting RizoNode and the group of other RizoNodes to relay to the requesting RizoNode. Upon arriving at the requesting RizoNode, the segments of the file will be reassembled back to the original file. If the SN peer does not have knowledge which peers have the requested file, it will ask all the peers in the RizoCell for response. If no response received, the SN will pass the request to other SNs in other RizoCells, and so on so forth. A search algorithm based on above principle is designed for the CDN based on the RizoNet.

The CDN of the RizoNet provides a wide range of applications. It allows different groups that have communication needs and other potential needs for interaction. These needs are difficult to be supported cost effectively and efficiently with legacy communication systems. For example, teenagers belong to several kinds of these groups. The groups can be classroom, group of friends, hobby groups, neighborhood groups, gaming groups, and the like. The communication of these groups consists of: 1) Gaming: establishment of network gaming groups; 2) Chatting: multiple groups, everybody can set up a group; 3) Content/file transfer (music features, etc.); 4) Multimedia messaging including: text, drawings, pictures, sound clips, video clips, files; 5) Connection to Internet via gateways and support for local servers; 6) Short range voice and video calls; 7) Multicasting, enabling multicast of high level voice stream; and 8) Push services, location- based services. In particular, a push service is defined as a service initiated by an application server toward a mobile or host device. Examples of push services include sending advertisement, news, instant messaging, multimedia messaging, terminating VoIP call, etc. A push service can be combined with location-based services, creating additional value for the originated service. The users of the network may consist of different groups and clubs, which forms closed structures in service level (password protection/encryption) over the openly shared underlying network.

The Grid Computing Network of the RizoNet

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the Grid Computing Network (GCN) of the RizoNet of the present invention, hi some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of distributed computation on a project using the systems described herein. The method includes the acts of (a) identifying the RizoNodes as distributed computers to participate in the distributed grid computing according to a criterion, (b) dividing the computation project (c) distributing the computation project over the RizoNodes selected for the computation project, and (d) launching the grid computing over the participating RizoNodes, and (e) receiving the computation results from the participating RizoNodes and synthesizing and reporting for the final result for the computation project.

In principle, performing a grid computing for a project involves the following key elements: a) Application: the project to compute; b) Planning: data location, replica selection, selection of compute, and storage nodes: a. Metadata service: location based on data attributes; b. Replica location service: location of one or more physical replicas; c. Information services: state of grid resources, performance measurements and predictions; d. Security and policy. c) Executing: initiates data transfers and computations: a. Computing Resource: computing for the project; b. Storage resources: data movement and data access.

In some embodiments, the GCN of the RizoNet serves an infrastructure that provides the ability to dynamically link together resources of the RizoNodes and other servers/database in the Z-Center as an ensemble to support the execution of large-scale, resource-intensive, and distributed applications.

In some embodiments, the GCN of the RizoNet can be a distributed computing or distributed system that manages and shares asynchronous resources, and provides a collaborative environment in combining powerful resources, federated computing and a security structure. It coordinates resource sharing and problem solving in dynamic multi- institutional virtual organizations as they can access the GCN ubiquitously. Users are presented the illusion of a single, very powerful computer, rather than a collection of disparate machines. Boundaries between RizoNodes as computers become invisible. The GCN schedules application components on participating RizoNodes for computing, manages data transfer, and provides communication and synchronization.

In some embodiments, the GCN of the RizoNet provides the functions and services in the following 4 layers: a) Fabric layer: this layer provides storage systems, computing system and network. These are provided by the RizoNodes of the RizoNet. b) Connectivity layer: this layer provides communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP protocol stack) and security, authentication and authorization protocols. These protocols are operated by the RizoNodes and some GCN security server in the Z-Center. c) Resource sharing layer: this layer provides resource sharing capabilities. It includes Data Access Protocol, Storage Resource Management, Data Filtering or Transformation Services, Database Management Services, Compute Resource Management Services (e.g., local supercomputer scheduler), Resource Monitoring and Auditing Service. These services and functions are provided by some GCN resource- sharing server in the Z-Center. d) Collective layer: this layer provides general services for coordinating multiple resources. It includes Data Transport Services, Data Federation Services, Data filtering or Transformation Service, General Data Discovery Services, Storage management/brokering, Compute management/brokering, Monitoring/auditing service, Request Interpretation and Planning Services, Workflow management service, Application-Specific Data Discovery« Services, Community Authorization service, Consistency Services with varying levels of consistency, including data versioning, subscription, distributed file systems or distributed databases. These services and functions are provided by some GCN resource coordinating server in the Z-Center.

In some embodiments, the GCN of the RizoNet provide a middleware tier of service brokers to render the services needed to support a common set of applications in a distributed network environment. The services include Content Access, Composition, Collaboration, Computing, and Security. The middleware tier resides in a GCN server of the Z-Center with clients in the RizoNodes.

In some embodiments, a Service Portal is provided for users interact with the GCN of the RizoNet to access the services. The main functions of the Service Portal include: Event and Logging, Directory and Indexing, Proxy Server, Messaging and Collaboration, Application Factory Services.

In some embodiments, the GCN of the RizoNet employs the P2P technologies (developed for the content distribution network of the RizoNet) for service registration, and the P2P caching technologies for data storage to reduce access latency for grid computing.

The Home-networking Network of the RizoNet

Home-networking refers a local area networking in a home environment. Home- networking is taking its first steps. Wired networking has the problem of cabling that requires specific skills and construction work. Wireless self-configuring networks are ideal to solve this application area challenges. First needs for this networking emerge when a household has several computers. Also entertainment electronics (TV, set top boxes, DVD, stereos, games consoles, etc.) need networking where Ad-Hoc networks are going to be used e.g. for transferring contents or control information. Electricity meters, gas meters, water meters, refrigerator, cooking equipment, heating and air conditioning systems, and security system require control and remote access. Finally, smart home appliances may also be networked.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the Home-Networking Network (HNN) of the RizoNet of the present invention. A RizoNode is installed in a household as a node of the RizoNet, and also serves as the control and management center for the HNN of the household. RizoNode RN connects to the household consumer electronics devices, such as TV, set top boxes, DVD, stereos, games consoles, electricity meters, gas meters, water meters, refrigerator, cooking equipment, heating and air conditioning systems, and security system, through wireless links (assume the consumer electronics devices have a wireless module built in). In some embodiments, the wireless links may include WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and other short-range radio technologies. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method to control and manage the FINN for home networking The method includes the acts of (a) communicating to household electronics devices according to a communications protocol operated by the RizoNode in the household (b) configuring the household electronics devices remotely through the RizoNode over the RizoNet and Internet, and (c) receiving and monitoring the status of electronics devices remotely through the RizoNode over the RizoNet.

As was exemplified there are many different applications, which can benefit from the RizoNet. A key advantage provided is that the benefits of the RizoNet are established by leveraging over the current network infrastructure, yet keeping it self-contained and locally independent.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as they fall within the true spirit and the scope of this invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A hybrid wired and wireless Universal Access Network (HUAN) ("RizoNet"), the RizoNet comprising network nodes ("RizoNodes"), each of which connecting to a single or multiple existing network(s), wherein the RizoNodes are gateway switches that are interconnected with each other via either a wireless connection or the single or multiple existing network(s), thereby providing user service access and traffic rely and transport over the RizoNet and the single or multiple existing network(s).

2. The RizoNet of claim 1, wherein the single or multiple existing network(s) are selected from Mobile Cellular networks, Internet, Cable, PSTN, WiFi/WiMax network, a fixed wireless backhauling network, a wired local area network (LAN), or combinations thereof.

3. The RizoNet of claim 1, wherein the RizoNode is a gateway switch comprising a processor engine, operating system and protocol stacks, memory storage, and access and network interface modules.

4. The RizoNet of claim 1 , wherein the RizoNode comprises:

(a) a set of transmitting devices,

(b) a switching and control device, and

(c) a set of receiving devices, wherein the set of transmitting devices are capable of transmitting voice or data signal over a wired or wireless network, wherein the set of receiving devices are capable of receiving voice or data signal from a wired or wireless network, and wherein the switching and control device is capable of: receiving the incoming voice or data signal from the set of receiving devices; processing and converting the signal to a format with designated identifiers; and sending the signal in the format with designated identifiers to a specific transmitting device according to service specific rules for forwarding to a specific wired or wireless network.

5. The RizoNet of claim 4, wherein the transmitting devices or receiving devices comprise a Cellular Mobile module, a Local Area Networks (LAN) module, a Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) module, a Cable module, and a landline PSTN module.

6. The RizoNet of claim 4, wherein the RizoNode comprises: a System Control module for system control and management, and a Switching module for converting and transferring traffic from one type to another type and from one network to another network.

7. The RizoNet of claim 4, wherein the service specific rules comprise forwarding rules based on a wireless voice service plan of a user.

8. The RizoNet of claim 4, wherein the service specific rules comprise forwarding rules based on a mobile voice or data service plan of a user.

9. The RizoNet of claim 4, wherein the service specific rules comprise forwarding rules based on a landline telephone voice or data service plan of a user.

10. The RizoNet of claim 4, wherein the service specific rules comprise forwarding rules based on a internet voice or data service plan of a user.

11. The RizoNet of claim 4, wherein the identifier comprises a landline phone number, a wireless phone number, an IP address, a VOIP account ID, or a combination thereof.

12. The RizoNet of claim 1, further comprising one or more subnetwork(s) ("RizoCells"), wherein a RizoCell comprises at least one regular RizoNode ("RN") and at least one super RizoNode ("SN"), wherein SN is a leader in a subnetwork for coordination and management, and wherein the RizoCell is a network cluster in which one or more SNs and a set of

RNs form a integral subnetwork domain.

13. The RizoNet of claim 12, wherein the RizoNet comprises at least two RizoCells, wherein the at least two RizoCells are connected via IP tunnels by SNs in respective RizoCells.

14. The RizoNet of claim 13, wherein each of the two or more RizoCells comprises a dedicated IW-Gateway, and the at least two RizoCells are connected by a dedicated trunk between the two IW-Gateways in respective RizoCells.

15. The RizoNet of claim 12, wherein an SN in a RizoCell is selected from RNs according to a criteria or a set of criteria selected from location coordinates, network topology, processing capacity of the node, handover capability, service profile, service availability, performance level, routing metrics, accounting and billing policy, and administrative policy.

16. The RizoNet of claim 15, wherein all the SNs in a RizoCell are fully connected via IP tunnels, and wherein each SN in a RizoCell (a) maintains the network topology for the RizoCell according to a protocol designed to maintain the connectivity among the SNs and (b) serves as the default gateway router for routing traffic for other RNs in the RizoCell.

17. The RizoNet of claim 16, wherein each SN is additionally connected via a network management protocol to a centralized Network Management System (NMS) included in the RizoNet.

18. The RizoNet of claim 17, wherein the network management protocol is SNMP.

19. The RizoNet of claim 17, wherein the NMS provides a full range FCAPS management functions to manage all the RizoNodes in the RizoNet, and wherein FCAPS management functions comprise Fault management, Configuration management, Accounting management, Provisioning management, and Security management.

20. A method of communication, comprising:

(a) sending a voice or digital content through the RizoNet or the single or multiple existing networks according to any of claims 1-19,

(b) receiving the voice or digital content, and

(c) interworking the voice or digital content from one network to another network.

21. A method of content distribution, comprising

(a) authenticating and establishing peer-to-peer connections between two users or among a group of users through the RizoNet or the single or multiple existing networks according to any of claims 1-19,

(b) delivering a content in a content distribution transaction between two users or among a group of users, and

(c) managing the content distribution transaction for resource allocation and sharing, content segmentation and reassembly, content cache, content directory management, bookkeeping, and billing.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the content is textual content, musical content, and video content.

23. A method of distributed computation on a project, comprising (a) identifying RizoNodes in the RizoNet according to any of claims 1-19 as distributed computers to participate the distributed grid computing according to a criterion,

(b) dividing the computation project according to an algorithm, (c) distributing the computation project according to an algorithm over the RizoNodes selected for the computation project,

(d) launching the grid computing over the participating RizoNodes using a network operating system, and (e) receiving the computation results from the participating RizoNodes.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

(f) synthesizing and reporting for the final result for the computation project.

25. A method of control and management of home networking, comprising

(a) communicating to household electronics devices according to a protocol from a RizoNode which serves as the control and management center for a household,

(b) configuring the household electronics devices remotely through the RizoNode over the RizoNet, and

(c) receiving and monitoring the status of electronics devices remotely through the RizoNode over the RizoNet.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the electronics devices are selected from TV, refrigerator, stereo, air-conditioner, cooking equipment, security system, and other home entertainment devices.

27. A method of bandwidth aggregation of virtual aggregate link, comprising causing a SuperNode (SN) in the RizoNet according to any of claims 1-19 to combine available bandwidth from other RizoNodes in a RizoCell in the RizoNet to connect to existing networks, and causing the combined bandwidth available for a RizoNode in the RizoNet.

28. A method of content distribution, comprising

(a) causing a SuperNode (SN) in the RizoNet to combine available bandwidth from other RizoNodes in a RizoCell in the RizoNet to connect to existing networks and making the combined bandwidth available for a RizoNode in the RizoNet,

(b) causing a file that one desires to download from the RizoNode to segment into segments of the file,

(c) causing the segments of the file to be sent to the RizoNode from the existing networks and other neighboring RizoNodes via different wired and wireless connections, and

(d) reassembling locally the segments of the file to regenerate the file at the RizoNode.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising

(e) managing the content distribution transaction for resource allocation and sharing, content segmentation and reassembly, content cache, content directory management, bookkeeping, and billing.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein the file is a textual content, musical content, and video file.