BASICS MESH Networks

Wireless mesh networks, an emerging technology, may bring the dream of a seamlessly connected world
into reality.
Wireless mesh networks can easily, effectively and wirelessly connect entire cities using inexpensive,
existing technology. Traditional networks rely on a small number of wired access points or wireless
hotspots to connect users. In a wireless mesh network, the network connection is spread out among
dozens or even hundreds of wireless mesh nodes that "talk" to each other to share the network
connection across a large area.
Mesh nodes are small radio transmitters that function in the same way as a wireless router. Nodes use
the common WiFi standards known as 802.11a, b and g to communicate wirelessly with users, and, more
importantly, with each other.

Courtesy Motorola
A node on a streetlight.
Nodes are programmed with software that tells them how to interact within the larger network. Information
travels across the network from point A to point B by hopping wirelessly from one mesh node to the next.
The nodes automatically choose the quickest and safest path in a process known as dynamic routing.
The biggest advantage of wireless mesh networks -- as opposed to wired or fixed wireless networks -- is
that they are truly wireless. Most traditional "wireless" access points still need to be wired to the Internet
to broadcast their signal. For large wireless networks, Ethernet cables need to be buried in ceilings and
walls and throughout public areas.
In a wireless mesh network, only one node needs to be physically wired to a network connection like a
DSL Internet modem. That one wired node then shares its Internet connection wirelessly with all other
nodes in its vicinity. Those nodes then share the connection wirelessly with the nodes closest to them.
 The more nodes, the further the connection spreads, creating a wireless "cloud of connectivity" that can
serve a small office or a city of millions.

The Internet: The Original Mesh Network

The Internet is the world's largest mesh network. Information
travels across the Internet by being bounced automatically from
one router to the next until it reaches its destination. The Internet
is often depicted as a "cloud" or "web" of connectivity because of
the billions of potential paths across which data can travel.
Wireless mesh networks advantages include:
 Using fewer wires means it costs less to set up a network, particularly for large areas of
coverage.
 The more nodes you install, the bigger and faster your wireless network becomes.
 They rely on the same WiFi standards (802.11a, b and g) already in place for most wireless
networks.
 They are convenient where Ethernet wall connections are lacking -- for instance, in outdoor
concert venues, warehouses or transportation settings.
 They are useful for Non-Line-of-Sight (NLoS) network configurations where wireless signals are
intermittently blocked. For example, in an amusement park a Ferris wheel occasionally blocks the signal
from a wireless access point. If there are dozens or hundreds of other nodes around, the mesh network
will adjust to find a clear signal.
 Mesh networks are "self configuring;" the network automatically incorporates a new node into the
existing structure without needing any adjustments by a network administrator.
 Mesh networks are "self healing," since the network automatically finds the fastest and most
reliable paths to send data, even if nodes are blocked or lose their signal.
 Wireless mesh configurations allow local networks to run faster, because local packets don't have
to travel back to a central server.
 Wireless mesh nodes are easy to install and uninstall, making the network extremely adaptable
and expandable as more or less coverage is needed.
In this article, we'll explain how wireless mesh networks work, how they increase network access for a
wide variety of industries, and how they might make our dream of a seamlessly connected world come
true.

Wireless Mesh Technology

The graphic below shows how a wireless mesh network functions when sharing an Internet connection
across a Local Area Network (LAN). As you see, only one node in the wireless mesh network needs to be
directly wired to the Internet. That wired node shares the Internet connection wirelessly with the nearest
cluster of nodes, which then share it with their nearest cluster of nodes and so on.

©2007 MC MCSE Certification Resources

Wireless mesh network
That means that each individual node doesn't need to be wired to anything. It only needs a power supply
such as traditional AC plugs, batteries, or solar panels if outdoors. Outdoor nodes are encased in a
 Backhaul Nodes
Even in a wireless mesh LAN, there
weatherproof, protective shield and can be mounted anywhere comes a time when information needs
including telephone pools, roofs, etc. to return to a wired access point to
Wireless mesh networks are effective in sharing Internet reach the wider Internet. Getting that
connectivity because the more nodes that are installed, the information back to the access point
further the signal can travel. And the more nodes you have, the is called backhaul. Small wireless
stronger and faster the Internet connection becomes for the user. mesh networks handle backhaul
How does the Internet connection become stronger and faster? without needing special
configurations. In larger mesh
 If your laptop computer is in the broadcast range of four networks, like those for cities or large
nodes, you're tapping into four times the bandwidth of one companies, certain nodes need to be
traditional wireless router. dedicated as backhaul nodes. The
 Distance plays a huge role in wireless signal strength. If other nodes send all outgoing
you reduce the distance between your computer and the nearest information straight to one of the
wireless node by two, the signal strength is four times as strong. backhaul nodes, which will send it to
the wired access point without
Nodes can also provide Internet connectivity to wired devices
unnecessary hops.
within the network like VoIP phones, video cameras, servers, and
desktop workstations using traditional Ethernet cables. Most nodes come with two or more Ethernet ports,
and through a technology called Power Over Ethernet (PoE), the node can provide power to stand-alone
devices like surveillance cameras without having to plug the camera into an electrical outlet.
Now let's look at some real and potential applications of wireless mesh networks.
 Applications for Wireless Mesh
Networks
Cities and Municipalities
With wireless mesh networks, cities can connect citizens and public services over a widespread high-
speed wireless connection.
A growing number of downtown areas are installing public WiFi hotspots. Mesh networks allow cities to
inexpensively and simply link all those hotspots together to cover the entire municipality.

Some advantages of municipal mesh networks:

 Commuters can check their e-mail on the train, in the park, at a restaurant.
 Public works officials can monitor the diagnostics of the city's power and water supply by
installing wireless nodes in water treatment facilities, sewers and generators. There's no need to dig
trenches to run cables.
 Public safety and emergency workers can access secure virtual networks within the larger
network to keep communication lines open, even when regular phone or cellular service is down. With
mesh nodes mounted on streetlights and stop lights, police and firefighters can remain connected to the
network, even while moving.
According to a report by MuniWireless.com in March 2007, 81 U.S. cities have already installed citywide
or region-wide municipal wireless networks and 164 more are actively building such networks. The report
also says that 38 U.S. cities already have municipal wireless networks for the exclusive use of public
safety and city employees.
Not all existing municipal wireless networks are mesh networks, however. Some are powered by a
technology called WiMAX which has the ability to broadcast signals over large distances using powerful
microwave transmissions. Other municipal networks use a combination of mesh, WiMAX and others.
Developing Countries
Wireless mesh networks are useful in countries without a widespread wired infrastructure, such as
telephone service or even electricity. Solar-powered nodes can be connected to one cellular or satellite
Internet connection, which could keep a whole village online.
Isolated Locations, Rugged Terrain
Even in developed countries, there are rugged locations too far off the grid for traditional high-speed
Internet service providers. Wireless mesh networks are being considered for these areas. A series of
nodes would be mounted from the nearest available wired access point out to the hard-to-reach area.

Education
Many colleges, universities and high schools are converting their entire campuses to wireless mesh
networks. This solution eliminates the need to bury cables in old buildings and across campuses. With
dozens of well-placed indoor and outdoor nodes, everyone will be connected all the time.
Mesh networks also have the capacity to handle the high-bandwidth needs required by students who
need to download large files.

©2007 Dreamstime
Students can connect anywhere.
Schools can also rig their entire public safety system up to the network, monitoring security cameras and
keeping all personnel in constant communication in emergency situations.
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.
Future Applications
The U.S. military, which helped develop wireless mesh technology, foresees a day when thousands of
microchip-size mesh nodes can be dropped onto a battlefield to set up instant scouting and surveillance
networks. Information can be routed to both ground troops and headquarter personnel.
Carmakers and telecom companies are working to develop Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)
powered by street and highway-based wireless mesh networks. Using an automated network of
surveillance cameras and in-car sensors, public safety officials can tightly monitor traffic accidents and
dangerous road conditions.
PC Magazine reports that there's even technology in the works that would alert a driver when a nearby
car deploys its airbag. Mobile mesh networks also promise upgrades for in-car entertainment options like
digital music and movie downloads.
Chipmakers and network software developers like Ember Corporation already sell automated home and
automated building solutions that employ mesh networks to control and remotely monitor surveillance
systems, climate control and entertainment systems. The future applications for wireless mesh networks
are limited only by our imaginations.