Network configuration hierarchy information is maintained using flexible
mechanisms and methods for establishing routes and transferring
information between nodes in ad-hoc data communication networks using
on-demand multicast and unicast techniques. Communication nodes use
network topology information to build and maintain a dynamically mobile,
wireless, ad-hoc network capable of efficiently routing both unicast and
multicast traffic. Network nodes that facilitate the collection and
distribution of network topology and routing data are dynamically
selected, configured, and maintained. Network traffic overhead necessary
for maintaining and distributing network routing table information is
held to a minimum and efficiently distributed across the network, thereby
reducing the potential for network traffic bottlenecks due to network
overhead processes.