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 or "node" 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.

What is a Wireless Mesh Network?

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. 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 or cable 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, business campus or city park.

Wireless Mesh Network Advantages

• 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, g and n) 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.

Wireless Mesh Technology

Only one node in the wireless mesh network needs to be directly wired to the Internet. That wired node, root or backhaul 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.

Even in a wireless mesh network, there comes a time when information needs to return to a wired or root access point to reach the wider Internet. Getting that information back to the access point is called backhaul. Small wireless mesh networks handle backhaul without needing special configurations. In larger mesh networks, like those for cities or large companies, certain nodes need to be dedicated as backhaul nodes. The other nodes send all outgoing information straight to one of the backhaul nodes, which will send it to the wired access point without unnecessary hops.

How does the Internet connection become stronger and faster in a Mesh network?

If your laptop computer is in the broadcast range of four nodes, you're tapping into four times the bandwidth of one traditional wireless access point. Distance plays a huge role in wireless signal strength. If you reduce the distance between your computer and the nearest wireless node by two, the signal strength is four times as strong up to the maximum allowed signal strength.

The Mesh nodes can also provide Internet connectivity to wired devices within the network like WiFi enabled Smartphones, voice-over-IP (VoIP) phones, video cameras, servers, and desktop workstations using traditional Ethernet cables. Most nodes come with two or more Ethernet ports, and through 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.

Applications for Mesh Networks.

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 can 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. 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.