Wireless Mesh Network

 

What is a wireless mesh network (WMN)?

A wireless mesh network (WMN) is a mesh network created through the connection of wireless access point (WAP) nodes installed at each network user's locale. The networking infrastructure is decentralized and simplified because each node need only transmit as far as the next node. WMNs may or may not be connected to the internet.

Mesh networks can be used for any application where network end nodes are too far apart to share direct access to a central location, such as an internet connection. Any type of network protocol can be used throughout the network.

Wi-Fi is widely used for home or office networks, but other types of networks may be used for other applications. Bluetooth and Zigbee are short-distance protocols that require less power than Wi-Fi and are used to link battery-operated devices. Longer distances between nodes may require wireless administrators to link nodes with a network technology that has greater distance capabilities.

Wireless mesh networks, which can also be a form of wireless ad hoc network, are often used for the following:

• home Wi-Fi networks;
• public Wi-Fi access provided by cities and municipalities;
• Wi-Fi and networking in temporary locations, such as construction sites;
• connecting internet of things devices, such as sensors, security systems, smart appliances and monitoring systems;
• building networks in developing communities that lack internet wiring infrastructure; and
• providing consistent wireless access to hospitals, educational campuses and warehouses.