What is a wireless mesh network (mesh WiFi)?

How do wireless mesh networks work?

Wireless mesh networks work through mesh nodes, mesh clients and gateways in the following ways:

• Mesh nodes. These wireless AP devices with multiple radio systems act as mesh routers and endpoints. Firmware enables them to share data between other nodes in the network.
• Mesh clients. These include wireless devices like laptops, mobile phones, printers, televisions, security systems and tablet computers.
• Gateways. These nodes connect two networks using different protocols. Data passes through the gateway as it enters or exits a network.

Each node in a WMN has at least one path -- but often multiple paths -- to other nodes, which creates multiple information routes for pairs of users. This makes the network more resilient, and in the event of a wireless AP or connection failure, information can still access other nodes because it can be rerouted through an alternate path without disrupting service.

The network topology of a wireless mesh network could be full or partial mesh. In a full mesh network, every node communicates with every other node. In a partial mesh topology, nodes only communicate with nearby nodes. When data is transmitted between two nodes that don't communicate with each other, data hops from one node to the next until it reaches the client. The nodes are programmed to use adaptive routing algorithms to determine the optimal route between nodes for data transmission.

In a wireless mesh network, each node receives data from one node while forwarding data to the next node. The resulting network between connected devices is often called a mesh cloud. Having more nodes increases the range of the network that the mesh client devices can connect to for the internet. Only one node must act as a gateway to and from the internet for connectivity.

What are wireless mesh networks used for?

Wireless mesh networks are typically used in environments where using more traditional network connectivity options such as wired Ethernet is impractical. From the standpoints of throughput and reliability, a wireless connectivity option can't compete with the faster speeds and performance of a hard-wired network -- but it can provide more agility and be less expensive and time-consuming to implement.

Common use cases for wireless mesh networks and wireless ad hoc networks that might be set up for temporary purposes, include the following:

• Whole home Wi-Fi and smart home devices. It can be impractical to tear up walls and floors to insert Ethernet cabling throughout the home. In this scenario, the central internet gateway is set up in a closet or other protected location and connected to wireless APs throughout the home. This makes the internet universally accessible from every room. Cameras, smart speakers, thermostats, appliances and other Wi-Fi devices all receive consistent, strong signal coverage. The smart home is a significant part of the internet of things (IoT), where devices and appliances are often controlled by a smartphone.
• Public Wi-Fi access. Cities, municipalities, hospitals and other institutions frequently set up free Wi-Fi access for internet users in doctors' offices, public libraries and city and municipal buildings.
• Wi-Fi and networking in temporary locations. WMNs are helpful for sites that require a network infrastructure, but only for a limited time. For example, construction crews use wireless to monitor construction sites and observe building activities on the upper floors of tall buildings or in hard-to-access areas.
• Connecting IoT devices. WMNs connect IoT devices such as sensors, security systems, smart appliances and monitoring systems. This network of devices communicates and exchanges data over a wireless connection, allowing for automated control and remote monitoring.
• Building networks in developing communities. Wi-Fi is effectively used in underdeveloped countries with limited communication infrastructures, far off the grid from high-speed internet service providers. It's also used in remote areas hit by disasters that rescue crews must access and coordinate.

Expanding uses for Wi-Fi mesh

Many Wi-Fi initiatives in recent years have set the stage for expanding Wi-Fi mesh into the following new application areas:

• In the utilities industry, electric and gas companies install smart meter readers so technicians don't have to travel to sites to record energy usage manually. Homeowners and utility companies use energy home monitoring systems to assess where energy is used and how it can be more efficiently consumed.
• In healthcare, devices worn by patients or placed within their homes enable caregivers to check on patient health readings. Wi-Fi networks designed for home safety can also detect when an elderly person has turned on a stove burner or has forgotten to turn it off.
• In satellite communications, Wi-Fi is being used peer-to-peer in constellations of satellites for failover and optimum performance.
• In military, mining and surveyor field operations, Wi-Fi enables field communications and drone deployments.

Advantages of wireless mesh networks

Compared to traditional Wi-Fi routers, wireless mesh networks offer the following advantages:

• WMNs require only one node in the network to be physically wired for internet connection.
• They provide collaborative, redundant backup technology, which ensures data security in the event of disk failure.
• WMNs can be configured dynamically for speed.
• Wireless mesh networks use less power.
• They offer increased reliability, as each node is connected to several other nodes. If one node drops out of the network, its neighbors find another route.
• WMNs use the same standards as most Wi-Fi networks -- 802.11a, b and g.
• They're scalable, as adding nodes to the network is typically easy.
• WMNs can effectively provide home Wi-Fi mesh networks coverage without reducing bandwidth, unlike Wi-Fi extenders.

Disadvantages of wireless mesh networks

Using a wireless mesh network also comes with the following downsides:

• Networks with low processing capabilities can have more latency, as data must often hop through several nodes.
• The lack of a central server can make mesh systems more complicated to monitor, control and troubleshoot.
• The lack of centralization can make routing and resource management processes more complex than other types of wireless networks.
• Initial network setup can be complex, as ideal node placement across different points in the area likely involves some trial and error.
• For homes, node devices can be less cost-effective than traditional router or modem Wi-Fi networks.
• Mesh networks require high-speed broadband, making it unsuitable for rural areas and underdeveloped areas.

Wireless administrators can use wireless mesh networks for various applications because they're independent of network type. Network operations remain the same whether a short-distance network technology links the nodes or a long-distance technology supports nodes spread farther apart. As a result, administrators can quickly update mesh networks as they introduce new or improved wireless technologies.

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