User's Manual

1-2 Millennial Net
Introduction
Wireless Mesh Networking Overview
This section provides you with a basic understanding of wireless mesh network concepts and
components.
Defining Wireless Mesh Networks
Until recently, networks designed for monitoring and controlling sensors or actuators on a
network were limited in application and scope due to a major network design
consideration—the cables required to connect the various sensors and actuators to a
centralized collection point. In addition to the costs associated with installing and maintaining
communication cables (fiber optic or copper), this type of network infrastructure prevents
sensor mobility and severely limits the feasible applications of such a network.
Thanks to significant advances in low-power radio and digital circuit design, self-organizing
wireless mesh networks are now a reality. Sensors of all types (temperature, motion, occupancy,
vibration, etc.) can now be wirelessly enabled and deployed inexpensively and quickly.
Wireless mesh networks fundamentally change the economics of deploying and operating a
sensor network, unlocking opportunities to achieve new efficiencies in applications such as
production processes, building control, or monitoring. Wireless mesh networks also enable the
development of a brand new class of applications and services not previously possible with
wired sensor networks.
As illustrated in Figure 1-1, wireless mesh networks form what is called a wireless ad hoc
network, which refers to a network’s ability to self-organize and self-heal. This means there are
no administrative duties associated with establishing and maintaining a wireless mesh network.
By comparison, a wired infrastructure network, such as the LAN found in most office
environments, requires a significant amount of overhead to install and maintain in terms of
cabling and administrative time.
Figure 1-1. Untethered, mobile ad hoc network nodes
Mobile network node