TechFocusWireless Mesh Network
Changing the way we think wireless
Below: outdoor wireless mesh network architecture, left, and inside the wireless mesh node, right.
Let's have a quiz. Which technology helps you most to get online round the clock? You might say mobile internet. OK, no problem. Today, however, I will tell you about another technology that is emerging on the horizon of hi-tech world. Commonly known as wireless mesh network, the new technology is mostly an enhanced version of existing WiFi network. Its signal covers an entire zone like a spider web. Nowadays people mainly use WiFi network to connect to the internet. But it has its drawback because people need to troop over to a place where WiFi coverage is available. WiFi hotspots are generally located at market place, hotel, coffee shop and similar places and signals within these areas are not reachable from outside. Wireless mesh network has successfully overcome this limitation, spreading the signal throughout the city. The big advantage is that this technology can easily, effectively and wirelessly connect an entire city using inexpensive, existing technology. Distributed nodes of wireless mesh network communicate with each other and share the same internet connection. Mesh nodes are relatively small and functions like a wireless router. Resembling WiFi, these nodes use standards like 802.11a, b and g to maintain communication with the users and with each other. Special software is used to program the nodes, enabling them to interact within a larger network. Data fly from one point to another 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. Mesh network is truly wireless as each node does not need to access the internet though wired connection. Traditional wireless access points depend on cable for data communication. But when it comes to introducing the system in a large open space, it is difficult to deploy cable to connect each node and maintain security as well. And this technology is not robust and is vulnerable to network failure. In a mesh network, only one node is physically connected to the net through DSL internet modem. The node then generates signal and transmits it to other adjacent nodes. They in turn 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. Wireless mesh is a potential solution for the city residents. If you are stuck in a traffic jam, you can nonetheless do some of your basic tasks such as net surfing and sending and receiving emails. Utility service providers can monitor the service status of the city's power and water supply by installing wireless nodes in water treatment facilities, sewers and generators. No underground cable is required to establish the connection. 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 stoplights, police and firefighters can remain connected to the network, even while on the move. For developing courtiers wireless mesh network can play a significant role in ensuring internet for all. For example, it is possible to bring rural areas in Bangladesh under wireless mesh network. A node of this network could establish a link with a cell phone tower to distribute mobile internet service in a particular region. In developed countries many colleges and universities have introduced internet facilities on the campus for its students and faculties. They implemented wireless mesh network technology that has effectively eliminated the need for buying and installing cable. Because it supports high bandwidth, the technology allows students to transfer and download large files. The rapid development of wireless mesh network has inspired carmakers and telecoms companies to develop an effective safety management system known as Intelligent Transport System (ITS). Using an automated network of surveillance cameras and in-car sensors, public safety officials can tightly monitor traffic accidents and dangerous road conditions. Present wireless mesh products have evolved from two previous generations. The first-generation radio provided both backhaul and client services. A second-generation radio relayed packets over multiple hops while another one provided client access, significantly improving backhaul bandwidth and latency. Third generation wireless mesh products use two or more radios for the backhaul for higher bandwidth and low latency. Wireless mesh network has several advantages over the traditional wireless systems: · More nodes significantly improve the network performance. · Easy to expand and maintain. · When signal comes from a single point, any geographical obstruction can easily block it. But if several nodes cover the same area, it is possible to eliminate signal interruption. · Mesh network easily identifies a new node without any intervention of network administrator. · Mesh network is capable of automatically choosing the active path to continue communication. Wireless mesh network could be a good solution for both rural and urban life in Bangladesh. A well-structured mesh network in the city will allow law enforcement agency to beef up their surveillance. People in rural areas can easily access the internet to gather necessary information.
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