MESH Solutions

There are a number of solutions available from an increasing manufacturing base.

Common elements tend to be that of multiple radios integrated within a single discrete MESH node, and a proprietary protocol which offers service benefits such as simple auto-configuration and self-healing networks in event of a failure of a single node. Some examples are shown of specific solutions.

Although these are relatively recent solutions, they are real options with unique benefits and should be considered for all options where they offer an appropriate service. It should be noted that these solutions tend to use the 2.4GHz and 5GHz spectrums which have currently been available now for several years and are already installed globally in their millions.

The aspects of the solution which are new relate more to the way in which the radios are bundled physically, interconnected using automated algorithms, and connected to the Internet (or corporate Intranet).

Bundling - Solutions available on the market today typically bundle two radios for each node - the higher bandwidth radio targeted in the 5GHz spectrum is used for node interconnection, whilst the 2.4GHz radio is used in Point-To-Multipoint mode for Last Mile Access connections. There are also some solutions which utilise a single radio for both functions, and others which use up to 6 radios to provide a richer multi-node backhaul capability.

Algorithms - There are two sets of handshaking to be taken into account: The first set is the PMP handshaking between node and client and is a well understood process having been deployed in a number of proprietary forms for several years now. The second set relates to the inter-node handshaking which is the newer protocol - and is again an area differentiated by the competing manufacturers in the form of proprietary protocols.

Internet connection - a MESH network of small size might have a single Internet connection, however due to typical MESH network deployment sizes, the need for a measure of resilience, and various performance restrictions (depending on application), such networks are usually characterised by having multiple connections back to the Internet.

On the one hand therefore, the potential offered by the technology of dropping these nodes around the countryside and having them automatically interact with each other and form stable and durable networks, sounds very attractive.

On the other hand, and with the lessons learned from real-world deployments, and with typical mission-critical applications being rolled out over such networks, it is clear that our network designers will remain in employment for a few years yet.

If you are considering the need for a Wireless Network which can provide the capability to provide an area coverage service to a number of indeterminate locations or to a mobile workforce, please contact us as soon as possible.

By collaborating with you EARLY, and in a non-commital fashion, we can assist identify the technical, commercial and service options available to you and assist you to penetrate the merketing hype and support the decision-making process with facts and our experience.