The dream of a seamlessly connected world may becoming reality with wireless mesh networks. Wireless
mesh networks allow entire cities to be connected using inexpensive existing technology. Unlike
traditional networks that rely on a small number of wired access points or wireless hotspots to
connect users, wireless mesh networks provide a network connection that 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.
Wireless mesh networks, as the name implies, are truly wireless. That’s not the case with most traditional
wireless access points, which 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. Only one mesh node in a wireless mesh network needs to be physically wired to a network
connection like a DSL Internet modem.
Mesh nodes, small radio transmitters that function in the same way as a wireless router, using common
industry standard network protocols to communicate. 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 one wired node shares its Internet
connection wirelessly with all other nodes in its vicinity. These nodes then share the connection wirelessly
with the nodes closest to them. The more nodes in a network, the farther the connection
spreads, creating a wireless “cloud of connectivity” that can serve a small office or a city of
millions.
Topology
Network Topology refers to the physical layout of computers, cable, wireless
cells, and other network equipment.
Protocols
The "Stack" of software controlling the radio and it's members on the mesh
network.
Applications
There are many applications using various Wireless Mesh technologies:
Asset Tracking
Tank Monitoring
Featured Products
Featured radios that allow you to:
Connect
Track
Sense
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