WiFi’s a Mesh

Backbone meshing is one interesting feature of some 802.11n access points.  With meshing, every 802.11n access point need not be connected to an Ethernet cable to reach the Internet, thus saving the cost of wiring up all but one of the WiFi access points.

A meshed network is useful in large homes and in enterprise and campus applications.  To provide the best coverage in a particular area, a well-implemented network can self-configure itself with the proper mesh connections.

The diagram below (click to enlarge) shows what a mesh network of 802.11 access points in a large home might look like. The access point on the first floor connects through a Cat 5 cable to a PON ONT providing the broadband Internet connection. The other access point on the second floor connects wirelessly to the first floor access point, eliminating the need for any Ethernet wiring on the second floor.

Ruckus Wireless is one vendor offering meshable WiFi access points and routers.  One of their access points with meshing capability is shown in the picture below.

In the 1990s, a company called Ricochet implemented an early wireless meshed network for cities using their own, proprietary technology. But speeds on the Richochet network were modest (56-128 kbps), and they got snared by the dotcom bust. It is likely Richochet was a bit early for this technology. Laptops were not nearly so common, nor were they as powerful as they are today, and wireless connections did not have the bandwidth for an enjoyable Internet experience.

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