Defined
"A mesh network (or simply meshnet) is a local network topology in which the infrastructure nodes (i.e. bridges, switches, and other infrastructure devices) connect directly, dynamically and non-hierarchically to as many other nodes as possible and cooperate with one another to efficiently route data from/to clients."
Mesh Network vs Traditional Networks
Mesh networks connect the infrastructure nodes in an easy, effective and wireless way, using inexpensive, existing technology. It makes every object into IoT become possible.
Traditional networks connect users and devices counting on a small number of wired access points or wireless hotspots. In the wireless mesh network, the network connection stretches among dozens or hundreds of wireless mesh nodes that communicate to each other to share the network connection across a large area.
Mesh works in a different way. There's no central hub,switch or computer which handles all computer traffic. Instead,each device on the mesh network cantalk to every other device. It uses a particular kind of protocol for moving information from one place to another. These multiple relays can quickly direct traffic across devices. This creates a mesh-like pattern of connectivity.
Why Mesh Networks？
Mesh network realizes wireless literally and seamless connection. Its own advantages make it extremely competitive.
Advantages include:
Cost-Effective. Fewer wires in largeareas of coverage can save more costs.
Faster Connection & Running. The more nodesyou install, the bigger and faster your wireless network becomes. Andwireless mesh configurations allow local networks to run faster, becauselocal packets don't have to travel back to a central server.
Wide Suitability. They rely on the sameWiFi standards (802.11a, b and g) already in place for most wirelessnetworks.
High Reliability. When wirelesssignals are intermittently blocked, the mesh network will adjust to find aclear signal.
Smarter. Mesh networks canautomatically integrate a new node into the existing structure without anyadjustments by a network administrator. And it would find the fastest andmost reliable paths to send data, even if nodes are blocked or lose theirsignal.
Easy Scalability. Mesh networks don'trequire additional routers. Instead, each node acts as router instead.This means you can quickly and easily change the size of the network,making the network extremely adaptable and expandable.
Applications
Combining the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology with the mesh networking, BLE mesh networking allows for many-to-many communication over Bluetooth radio, achieving multiple applications where employ Bluetooth tech.
Cities and Municipalities
With BLE mesh network, cities can connect citizens and public services over a widespread high-speed wireless connection.
Campus
Many colleges, universities and high schools are converting their entire campuses to BLE mesh networking. This solution eliminates the need to bury cables in old buildings and across campuses. With dozens of well-placed indoor and outdoor nodes, everyone will be connected all the time.
Healthcare
Mesh nodes can sneak around corners and send signals short distances through thick glass to ensure access in every operating room, lab and office. Doctors and caregivers maintain and update patient information, test results, medica history, even insurance information on portable devices carried from room to room.
Hospitality
High-speed Internet connectivity at hotels and resorts has become the rule, not the exception. Mesh networks are quick and easy to set up indoors and outdoors without having to remodel existing structures or disrupt business.
Temporary Venus
Construction sites can capital9ize 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.
Warehouse
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.
In conclusion, mesh networks are an ideal infrastructure for IoT projects, as they provide additional flexibility by allowing them to operate regardless of broken paths or faulty devices. Mesh network is bound to become more and more practical, completely making IoT era march forward. The future applications for wireless mesh networks are limited only by our imaginations. Minewtag invites you to explore the next.
