Mesh networks are wireless networks, based on Wi-Fi technology, where each wireless “node” or “access point” connects with a number of other wireless nodes. Information flows from node to node, winding up either at its destination or the internet in general. Internet connections, in a mesh-based network, are provided by one or more nodes that connect to the internet directly (referred to as “backhaul”).

Robust and reliable, mesh wireless systems offer multiple points of connection to the network and no central tower. Mesh users can bypass obstacles like hills and trees by using different signal paths. Mesh networks are easily expandable at very low cost, and they have no single point of failure. Mesh networks also feature shorter distances between nodes, which means each antenna can broadcast at lower power, creating less interference and allowing more users to communicate simultaneously.” (from http://www.freepress.net/wifi/guide2.php)

The benefits of mesh technology are many:

• self-organized, dynamic routing and connection
• little or no centralized configuration
• each node is interchangeable with every other node
• overlapping wireless coverage areas ensure that no node is a point of failure
• no wires are necessary, as the network is entirely wireless
• organic build-out of the entire network is possible
• multiple separate networks can be built independently and grow into a single cohesive network
• redundant paths to backhaul
• easy/seamless addition of additional backhaul

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