By Terry L. Horner

The most exciting technologies developed in recent years are those that enable communication over wireless data networks. Wi-Fi and concepts like mesh networking will change our national infrastructure and culture.

It’s getting difficult to imagine going anywhere without a cellular phone. The need to be constantly connected to work, home and everywhere in between is a byproduct of the ever changing information age and has inched its way into every aspect our daily lives.

Instant access to information anywhere, all the time, went from luxury to necessity very quickly. In fact, if you blinked, you probably missed it. Development of new technology now occurs at the speed of thought, taking business and life right along with it. Our communications networks continue to grow and improve at a rapid pace enabling economic growth, expansion and opportunity.

Wireless mesh networks, Wi-Fi and related technologies are enabling the next generation in data communications that in turn are enabling new business models, revenue streams and ways of doing business today and into the future.

What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi, short for "Wireless Fidelity", is a set of product compatibility standards for wireless local area networks (WLAN) based on the IEEE 802.11 specifications. Wi-Fi enabled devices facilitate transmission of voice, video and data services to users within range of a base station. Individuals with Wi-Fi compatible devices including laptops, cell phones and PDAs, can take advantage a variety of Wi-Fi enabled services to enhance their on the go lifestyles. Wi-Fi enables true broadband mobility, indoors or out, at a fraction of the cost of comparable wired solutions.

What is a Wireless Mesh Network?

A wireless mesh network is a collection of wireless “nodes” or devices organized in a decentralized manner, with relatively inexpensive and resilient hardware used to form a cloud of wireless data coverage in a geographic area. Each node acts as a repeater to transmit data from nearby nodes to peers that are too far away to reach, resulting in a network that can span large distances, especially over rough or difficult terrain. Combining mesh networking with Wi-Fi offers unparalleled flexibility in deploying data networks.

Reliability is an important part of any communications infrastructure as communication is the lifeblood of the world. Wireless mesh networks are the most reliable of wireless technologies because each node is connected to multiple nodes at any given time. If one node drops out of the network its neighboring nodes simply and efficiently find another route to complete the network path. The nature of a wireless mesh topology thereby affords limitless scalability as nodes can be added or removed based on the needs of the network.

Networked Communities

With shrinking budgets and homeland security mandates, cities, towns and municipalities are evaluating wireless networks as a way to improve community-wide communication services. Not only can wireless Internet access enhance public safety and improve security surveillance, it is a powerful attraction for business and tourism. One barrier to installing wireless networks is the fact that wireless networking devices typically have to be installed within reach of a hard-wired backhaul. This requires pulling new fiber or Ethernet cable which, in a municipal environment, is extremely expensive, time-consuming, disruptive and downright difficult.

Instead, community leaders are finding that wireless mesh networks make it possible to achieve their wireless communication objectives quickly, economically and with satisfied users. A wireless mesh complements existing wired and wireless networks, extending their reach. Without the need to string cable, new wireless mesh networks can be deployed in a matter of hours or days. Temporary event or emergency networks can be deployed almost instantly. And an entire town can be connected for a fraction of the cost associated with conventional wireless networks.

Wireless For Construction

The temporary and constantly changing nature of construction sites creates special challenges not found in other networking applications. The site itself transforms daily. The workers even change from day to day as phases get completed and different subcontractors come and go. Construction sites also have a high incidence of theft and vandalism. Tools and building materials disappear and equipment is damaged or sabotaged. These and other unique characteristics create a need for flexible information access and security monitoring.

Construction sites have presented a common networking problem day after day: it has been impractical or impossible to use traditional wired network solutions. Where cabling has been installed, its deployment has proven to be disruptive, expensive, inflexible and prone to damage. Wireless mesh networks solve this problem.

Wireless mesh networks enable you to easily and cost-effectively install, change, move and remove a site-wide voice, video and data communications network. Because the wireless mesh network devices function as a virtual Ethernet switch, you can readily connect wireless access points, video security cameras, field office networks, Internet gateways or other networks without the need for an on-site network administrator. Simply pack up the network and move it to the next job site once the existing project is complete.

Wireless For Hospitality

Providing Internet access to guests is much easier than ever before. With a wireless mesh network, you can create a hot zone quickly and unobtrusively to cover guest rooms, conference rooms, lounges, dining rooms, lobbies and outdoor hospitality venues.

Business and vacation travelers alike expect high-speed Internet access in an increasing number of venues. From train and airport lounges, to hotel rooms and conference centers, and even marinas, golf courses and resorts, enabling fast, easy access has become a requirement for the hospitality industry.

This is why many hospitality venues are moving to wireless mesh network solutions. The expensive networking hardware, management resources and extensive planning and site modifications make traditional wired networks difficult to implement. Not to mention the disruption of business and guest inconvenience that make wired solutions even more logistically challenging.

Connecting Tomorrow

Wireless mesh networks combined with Wi-Fi applications and devices are enabling communications networks for the next generation. Connecting today’s networked world with tomorrows is an important step in securing growth and stability for the future.