Mesh networking is getting to be quite a hot topic – so much so that even the IEEE is forming a new protocol geared towards mesh networks (802.11s). In most WLAN network setups, access points are typically linked to a wired backbone Ethernet infrastructure, but with mesh networks, the idea is to relay traffic throughout the network completely wirelessly. Of course, the purpose is to drive down the costs of transporting data between Wi-Fi hotspots and wired broadband networks. This concept can also be extended over large areas at a low cost, without major right-of-way issues, since the equipment can be located virtually anywhere.

Nortel (NYSE:NT) has been one company actively working in this area, having run trials with BT (British Telecom) and MIT (the wireless mesh network there provides connectivity to e-mail, Internet and access to campus files and content securely from any location with any device; that trial also features wireless data services created by the MIT Media Lab). The Nortel approach came from peer-to-peer and ad-hoc wireless network research carried out in its Ottawa labs. Another vendor (Silicon Valley startup MeshDynamics) also has an interesting solution, relying on a three-radio architecture (two 802.11a radios devoted to backhaul and one 802.11b/g dedicated to serving clients).

It will be interesting to see the market development of mesh networking and watch where the technology will be initially deployed. The municipalities, enterprises, military and public safety segments can all represent good initial beachheads for meshing.