Mesh networking

From Free net encyclopedia

Image:Mesh.png Mesh networking is a way to route data, voice and instructions between nodes. It allows for continuous connections and reconfiguration around blocked paths by "hopping" from node to node until a connection can be established.

Mesh networks are self-healing: the network can still operate even when a node breaks down or a connection goes bad. As a result, a very reliable network is formed. This concept is applicable to wireless networks, wired networks, and software interaction.

A mesh network is a networking technique which allows inexpensive peer network nodes to supply back haul services to other nodes in the same network. It effectively extends a network by sharing access to higher cost network infrastructure.

Mesh networks differ from other networks in that the component parts can all connect to each other.

An MIT project developing "hundred dollar laptops" for under-privileged schools in developing nations plans to use mesh networking to create a robust and inexpensive infrastructure for the students who will receive the laptops. The instantaneous connections made by the laptops would reduce the need for an external infrastructure such as the internet to reach all areas, because a connected node could share the connection with nodes nearby.

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