Mesh

Networking

Emily Bates | Joe Garrow

Andreas Gillberg | Al Godin

Agenda

1.Network topology review2.Types of mesh topologies3.Disadvantages of mesh4.Advantages of mesh5.Modern uses of mesh networking6.Why hasn’t it caught on?

Network

Topologies

The topology is the physical layout of a network• Related to the specific

networking technology and specific standards used

Types of Network Topologies• Star• Bus• Ring• Mesh

Star Topology

• Most common topology• All devices connected to a

central point• The basic hub sends/receives in

and out all information to all devices

Ring Topology

• Each device connect to the next device in a logical loop

• Send packets around loop• Each device acts as a

repeater

Bus Topology

• Each device connected to the one next to it

• All devices receive every signal sent

• Each device has to coordinate when it sends data so it won’t collide with other data

Mesh Topology

Wired Mesh• Every device is connected on a dedicated line• Many connectionsWireless Mesh• Fixed wireless using ad hoc• Mobile peer-to-peer using ad hoc• Node to node (infrastructure)

Wireless Mesh

Network Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWnvRjSlA1Q

Full Mesh

Topology

• Every device connected to every other device

• Direct communication between devices

• Difficult to scale

Partial Mesh

Topology

• Devices are grouped into nodes which are connected to other nodes

• Typically used for larger networks

• Still allows communication between devices but not every device is directly connected to each other

Point-to-Point

Partial

• Simplest form of wireless network

• Download and upload link connected by two antennas in direct communication with each other

• Not scalable

Point-to-

Multipoint

Partial

• Uplink node is connected to omni-directional antenna that transmits data to other antennas

• Nodes download data from their dedicated antenna

• Better scalability than point to point

• Antennas must be in range of each other

Multipoint-to-

Multipoint

Partial

• Similar structure to wired internet

• Multiple omni-directional antennas connect with each other and send information to devices

• Data sent along optimal path from sender to receiver

Metropolitan

Partial

• Connection of M2M sub-networks with other M2M sub-networks

• Uses two different types of antennas to connect nodes

• Allows for greater functionality over a greater area

Disadvantages

Wired Mesh Networks• Large investment necessary to build

wired network (cables, hardware ports, etc)

• Difficult to install and reconnect• Bulk of wiring can exceed space

restrictionsWireless Mesh Networks• Uses a lot of bandwidth causing

slower interactions• Low interoperability

Advantages

General Mesh Networks• Connect to many devices

simultaneously• No need for a central node• Easily scalableWireless Mesh Networks• Inexpensive• Even more scalable• Supports high demand• Outdoor connectivity• Fault tolerance

Versatility

• Home automation• Education• Healthcare• Military/Defense• Public safety• Hotels• Warehousing• Mobile communication• Solar powered networks• Developing communities

Communicatio

n: FireChat

• iOS and Android app• Utilizes new Multipeer

Connectivity framework• Infrastructure WiFi• Peer-to-Peer WiFi• Bluetooth PANs

• 100 foot range

One Laptop

Per Child

• US non-profit organization• Bring technology to

developing nations• XO laptop model

• Rugged design• Flash storage• Linux OS

• Mesh networking• Student collaboration• Greater range• No maintenance

• 2.4 million laptops delivered

SolarMESH

• Solar and battery powered access points

• Could provide universal access

• Inadequate power

Open Mesh

Project

“Take away the wires and routes and we will still communicate.”

• In January 2011, Egyptian government blocked the entire internet

• Open Mesh Project aims to circumvent government restrictions

• Open and free communication internationally

• Two-click installation

FunkFeuer

• Free and open mesh network• Vienna, Austriahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGlMmp056_U

Military,

Defense, Public

Safety

• Mobility• Speed and performance• Scalable• Secure through encryption• Variety of uses

• Police• Soldiers• Tanks and military vehicles

Technical

Limitations

• Complexity to set up and maintain

• Difficult for routing protocols to scale over a few hundreds nodes

• Limited range of wireless user devices

Other Issues

• Cannot be easily regulated

• Regarded as a potential danger by the government

• Ethical issues: Seattle Police Department