US Patent 9462040 Network-based dynamic data management

In one embodiment, a router operating in a hierarchically routed computer network may receive collected data from one or more hierarchically lower devices in the network (e.g., hierarchically lower sensors or routers). The collected data may then be converted to aggregated metadata according to a dynamic schema, and the aggregated metadata is stored at the router. The aggregated metadata may also be transmitted to one or more hierarchically higher routers in the network. Queries may then be served by the router based on the aggregated metadata, accordingly.