LocustWorld:

Mesh networking provides an innovative method to build complex data networks very easily. Using the intelligence of each component, meshing helps them to join into a self-organising structure. This approach differs from the traditional “top-down” design of data networks, and provides many benefits, including flexibility, speed and ease of management, making it very easy to deploy widespread networks with low overheads.

Mesh Networking is particularly suited to wireless networks, where the connections can’t be predicted in the same way as a wired network, catering for mobile nodes, instant growth and unpredictable variations in reception and coverage.

Mesh networking builds up a wide spread multi-hop network making connections between neighbouring nodes on demand. Once connected the nodes can explore the network and establish their routes through it, finding the resources that they need automatically.

The LocustWorld Mesh uses a public networking standard AODV, to build the mesh. AODV, Ad hoc, On demand, Distance Vector, published by NIST, is recognised as a leading standard for wireless mesh networking. The LocustWorld mesh router is available as a software package and as a hardware device, and it is widely used to deliver wireless broadband networking in challenging terrain.

As each mesh node is autonomous, discovering routes on demand, there is no central control to act as a bottle neck. As the network grows the routing task for each node does not grow exponentially, as they only build routes to the resources that they need. Routes are established on demand, and un-used routes are flushed out after a short time.

If one route becomes un-workable then the node will automatically seek out another, providing self-healing structure and removing the reliance on single points of potential failure.

The LocustWorld MeshAP implements wireless mesh networking within a package of features that provide practical support for internet service provision. Mesh networking is not dependent upon any particular physical networking connection. LocustWorld currently support 802.11, Bluetooth and Ethernet. Many other wireless and wired networks are suitable for meshing, and the MeshAP can support them as demand for them develops.

Meshing is a fundamentally different approach to routing through networks, and does not follow the conventions of network design. In a mesh network nodes get given their basic rules of the road, and then they are left to establish their connections autonomously. The node may discover many potential routes through the network, and it will select the most suitable route based upon the shortest distance to reach the other node. Other criteria, such as the quality of the connection, can influence the decision, but ultimately the router decides on the routes itself, and the manager only provides the ground rules.

Meshing delivers networks that are:

Self Organising - each node works the routing out for itself, saving time and effort in administration

Wide Ranging - multi-hop networks extend wireless range around obstacles and over greater distances.

Scalable - just add more nodes. The routing configuration is automatic, and there is no exponential rise in complexity as the network grows.

Resilient - The self organising functions run continuously, so when changes occur to connections and reception the mesh will automatically re-route around blockages in real time.

Affordable - Each mesh node is inexpensive. As there are no central controllers needed the costs are linear.

Powerful - The unique features of the mesh make it a very powerful tool for building data networks.