Versatile Wireless Mesh Networking Platform

Abstract

Mesh networks enable communication with lower costs than static networks which use dedicated computers to route traffic and offer access. This has important impact in the areas where they are installed because they can add spatial overhead for the infrastructure and installation requires costs that can be avoided in other way. By installing a mesh network, infrastructure composed of network cables is avoided however, the electrical infrastructure is still needed and restricts devices to be moved. This paper aims to address the issue of dependency on power cables which restricts devices from moving. By constructing a mesh network of devices that don’t require a power infrastructure, the network equipment can be moved from one place to another without affecting their availability. This is useful to apply the solution in other scenarios where mobility is needed and the current solutions can not address due to their fixed position. It is demonstrated that transmission is achieved with mobility and results show how different distances influence communication. One of the most important things observed is that any routing protocols can be used depending on the distances that are desired between devices. The solution permits the use of multiple communication protocols for one device as modules that can be added or removed in the same time with achieving mobility.