User's Guide

1. Introduction to BreadCrumbs
Rajant Corporation’s (http://www.rajant.com) BreadCrumbs utilize the 802.11 wireless networking
standards to form a wireless mesh network. The network is mobile, selfintegrating, selfmeshing, self
healing, and secure. The focus is on flexibility, adaptability, and simplicity.
The BreadCrumb Kinetic Mesh Network is intended for rapid deployment of a broadband wireless
network into a situation or “hot zone.” The network can be deployed as a standalone wireless
network, or bridged to another network (such as the Internet) utilizing available reachback
communication links (such as a DSL, cable, or satellite modem).
BreadCrumbs provide high bandwidth for applications to stream video, audio and data over large
distances. The network traffic can be secured by using different security features available on the
BreadCrumb. This makes the network optimal for tactical deployments as well as emergency response
situations since it offers robustness, stability and ease of setup in mission critical activities.
1.1 What is a BreadCrumb?
A BreadCrumb is an IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) and Ethernet compatible networking device with the ability to
connect to other BreadCrumbs or networking devices to form a BreadCrumb network. The BreadCrumb
is specifically designed for the following scenarios:
z Temporary Wireless Networks: Networks that must be established quickly and with
minimal effort for shortterm use (e.g., a network established to provide a temporary
network in a tactical situation).
z Mobile Wireless Networks: Networks in which the network infrastructure itself is mobile, in
addition to client devices (e.g., a convoy viewing a video stream from a UAV).
z Wireless Network Extension: Networks in which a wireless network must be quickly
extended around or through obstacles that block wireless communications (e.g., urban
canyon networks, tunnels/caves, etc.)
z Wired Network Extension: Networks in which two or more wired LANs at different
locations must be connected wirelessly (e.g., to securely connect combat service support
computers with logistics bases)
z Any Combination of the Above: Most BreadCrumb deployments include elements from
more than one of the above scenarios.
In many cases, BreadCrumbs will perform all of these tasks as shipped with no configuration necessary
at all, providing an instant TAN (Tactical Area Network). Moreover, because BreadCrumbs use industry
standard 802.11 communications, client devices such as laptops, or cell phones require no special
hardware, software, and little or no configuration to access a BreadCrumb network.
Note