Wireless Mesh Networks

I went in search of information about Wireless Mesh Networks and found a few articles that I believe you may be interested in.

I found an article called “It’s Time to Take Mesh Networks Seriously (And Not Just for the Reasons You Think) by Sonal Chokshi @smc90

The author talks about meshed networks and how they can be useful in times of disaster. After Katrina and other natural events, a meshed network could have been used to call in the needed help agencies. He also indicates the opposite effects of meshed networking, how a community could use the networks to cause havoc on a government if wanted. The networks are mostly undetectable, and can run without the need of monitored internet services. I really don’t feel sorry for the pay-as-you-use companies which would lose money as people develop their own internet. He stated that building a meshed network is not an easy task, but with the proper technology and knowledge, it is achievable.

Website @ “It’s Time to Take Mesh Networks Seriously (And Not Just for the Reasons You Think)." Wired.com. Conde Nast Digital. Web. 1 Nov. 2015.

“mesh network topology (mesh network) definition” Posted by: Margaret Rouse

A mesh network topology is a decentralized design in which each node on the network connects to at least two other nodes. Mesh networks are expected to play an important part in the Internet of Things (IoT).

Unlike nodes in a star topology, which require a router to deliver Internet service, network nodes can "talk" directly to each other without requiring the assistance of an Internet connection. A big advantage of this decentralized topology is that there cannot be a single point of failure (SPoF). If one node can no longer operate, all the rest can still communicate with each other, directly or through one or more intermediate nodes.

Mesh networks can use a full mesh topology or a partial mesh topology. In a full mesh topology, each network node is connected to all the other nodes in the network. In a partial mesh topology, at least one node connects directly to every other node while others may only connect to those nodes they exchange data with on a frequent basis.

In the past, when mesh networks were always wired, the topology could be expensive (and complicated) to implement because each node had to be physically connected to the other nodes. Today, however, advances in wireless communication and short-range wireless personal network (WPAN) specifications have removed the physical and financial barriers.

The illustration shows a full mesh network with six nodes. Each node is shown as a sphere and connections are shown as straight lines.

Website @ "What Is Mesh Network Topology (mesh Network)? - Definition from WhatIs.com." SearchNetworking. Web. 1 Nov. 2015.

IEE Standard for Mesh Networking.

802.15.5 defines the following:

• Extension of network coverage without increasing the transmit power or the receiver sensitivity

• Enhanced reliability via route redundancy

Easier network configuration - Better device battery life

From Wikipedia: Task Group 5: Mesh Networking

IEEE 802.15.5 provides the architectural framework enabling WPAN devices to promote interoperable, stable, and scalable wireless mesh networking. This standard is composed of two parts: low-rate WPAN mesh less and high-rate WPAN mesh networks. The low-rate mesh is built on IEEE 802.15.4-2006 MAC, while the high rate mesh utilizes IEEE 802.15.3/3b MAC. The common features of both meshes include network initialization, addressing, and multihop unicasting. In addition, the low-rate mesh supports multicasting, reliable broadcasting, portability support, trace route and energy saving function, and the high rate mesh supports multihop time-guaranteed service.

Website @ Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 1 Nov. 2015.

Indoor wireless usage.

Healthcare: Many hospitals are spread out through clusters of densely constructed buildings that were not built with computer networks in mind. Wireless mesh nodes can sneak around corners and send signals short distances through thick glass to ensure access in every operating room, lab and office.

The ability to connect to the network is crucial as more doctors and caregivers maintain and update patient information -- test results, medical history, even insurance information -- on portable electronic devices carried from room to room.

Hospitality: High-speed Internet connectivity at hotels and resorts has become the rule, not the exception. Wireless mesh networks are quick and easy to set up indoors and outdoors without having to remodel existing structures or disrupt business.

Temporary Venues: Construction sites can capitalize on the easy set-up and removal of wireless mesh networks. Architects and engineers can stay wired to the office, and Ethernet-powered surveillance cameras can decrease theft and vandalism. Mesh nodes can be moved around and supplemented as the construction project progresses.

Other temporary venues like street fairs, outdoor concerts and political rallies can set-up and tear down wireless mesh networks in minutes.

Warehouses: There is simply no effective way to keep track of stock and shipping logistics without the types of Ethernet-enabled handheld scanners used in modern warehouses. Wireless mesh networks can ensure connectivity throughout a huge warehouse structure with little effort.

The hospital situation brings the UW Madison hospital to mind. If one has ever had the wonderful opportunity to visit the facility, and wondered the maze of hallways, the mesh network is not the only thing that looks like mesh. The hallways break off into triangle messes and a person can lost in there real quickly.

Mesh Network Devices.

I found this article designated towards devices.

According to networking expert John Shepler, in the near future the Wi-Fi card in your laptop might become an access point in addition to its normal role as network client. In a full mesh topology, every node communicates with every other node, not just back and forth to a central router. In another variation, called a partial mesh network, nodes communicate with all nearby nodes, but not distant nodes. All communications are between the clients and the access point servers. The client/server relationship is the basis for this technology.In Redmond, Cambridge and Silicon Valley, Microsoft is working on what it calls "self-organizing neighborhood wireless mesh networks." The network is created with a Mesh Connectivity Layer (MCL), which is a loadable Microsoft Windows driver that lets users communicate over a wireless mesh network using Wi-Fi or WiMax services. The driver tricks the computer into thinking it's directly connected to an Internet connection. The software creates a virtual network adapter that the computer interprets as a regular network connection and uses an Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) protocol called Link Quality Source Routing (LQSR) to route data among computers in the neighborhood.

A network is comprised of computers or hand-held devices, routers, repeaters, and sending devices such as towers or antennas. "What Is Wireless Mesh Network (WMN)? - Definition from WhatIs.com." SearchNetworking. Web. 1 Nov. 2015.

Well, I hope these articles were helpful. The websites have been given for your convenience.