Practical Application of Mesh Opportunistic Networks

Abstract

Opportunistic networks allow for communication between nearby mobile devices through a radio connection, avoiding the need for cellular data coverage or a Wi-Fi connection. The limited spatial range of this type of communication can be overcome by using nodes in a mesh network. The purpose of this research was to examine a commercial application of electronic mesh communication without a mobile data plan, Wi-Fi, or satellite. A mixed study, with qualitative and quantitative strategies, was designed. An experimental session, in which participants tested opportunistic networks developing different tasks for performance, was carried out to examine the system. Different complementary approaches were adopted: a survey, a focus group, and an analysis of participants’ performance. We found that the main advantage of this type of communication is the lack of a need to use data networks for one-to-one and group communications. Opportunistic networks can be integrated into professional communication workflows. They can be used in situations where traditional telephones and the Internet are compromised, such as at mass events, emergency situations, or in the presence of frequency inhibitors.