Three Broadband Paths Propelling Wireless Mesh Networks into a"Sprint"
1. Based on the Familiar WiFi
This approach utilizes the Mesh technology (e.g., the 802.11s draft standard) within the IEEE 802.11 standards. Simply put, it enables WiFi devices supporting this technology (not just routers, but also terminals) to connect not only to a single central point but also to multiple nearby devices, forming a"mesh" structure akin to a fishing net. This allows data to be relayed hop-by-hop between devices, enabling the formation of various network topologies such as chains, stars, and meshes.
Advantages: Low cost and maturity! It uses widely manufactured WiFi chips, resulting in low costs, mature technology, and rapid development.
Disadvantages: Suitable for small-scale applications but struggles in large-scale, complex environments. WiFi's CSMA/CA mechanism is prone to collisions in large networks with numerous nodes and heavy traffic, leading to unstable connections. Designed for short-range use, it has poor long-range performance, weak anti-interference capability, and relatively low security.
2. Based on the LTE in Your Daily-use Mobile Phone
This refers to the D2D (Device-to-Device) technology in LTE, which allows two or more terminals to communicate directly without going through a base station!
Value: It can extend signal coverage at the edge of base station coverage (via D2D device relaying within the cell) or save base station resources and improve transmission efficiency within coverage areas (through direct device-to-device communication). Especially in emergency communications, when public network base stations are down, terminals can still communicate with each other, quickly re-establishing communication links. This leverages the rich functionalities of existing smart terminals (voice, video, positioning, etc.) for self-rescue!
Challenges: The technical standards and commercial versions are not yet mature. It demands high capabilities from base stations in resource management and interference coordination, requiring significant modifications and optimizations. Additionally, supporting D2D increases terminal power consumption and cost, which conflicts with the positioning of consumer-grade products. Currently, there are very few chips and terminals that support D2D.
3. Based on the Unique Skill of"Software-Defined Radio"
This path typically involves heavily invested"proprietary protocol" technologies that leverage advanced SDR (Software-Defined Radio) technology. SDR makes hardware more flexible, allowing communication waveforms and protocols to be defined via software. Thus, everything from the physical layer and MAC layer to routing protocols can be fully customized! Equipment used in certain professional fields (e.g., military, broadcast live video backhaul) often falls into this category.
Advantages: Ultimate flexibility, performance, and security! It allows deep optimization for specific needs. With proprietary physical layer waveforms and protocols, it offers strong resistance to interception, interference, and cracking, ensuring high security! The SDR architecture based on FPGA or SoC provides powerful scalability and online upgrade capabilities!
Disadvantages: High R&D and equipment costs. Being proprietary, devices can only interconnect with others using the same technology, resulting in poor universality.
In summary, the wireless mesh network - a"magical" network that doesn't rely on base stations - is continuously evolving through these three main broadband technology paths:
WiFi Mesh: Low barrier to entry and affordable cost, suitable for short-range, non-critical scenarios.
LTE D2D: Leverages existing networks and terminals with great potential for emergency communications, but maturity will take time.
SDR Proprietary Technology: Offers the strongest performance and highest security but comes with high costs, mainly targeting professional and high-end markets.
In the future, with further technological integration and development, we may see more high-performance, low-cost, and more universal broadband mesh network solutions emerge. Whether serving as the last line of defense for emergency communications or as flexible nodes for building the future Internet of Things, wireless mesh networks hold limitless possibilities!
Three Broadband Paths Propelling Wireless Mesh Networks into a"Sprint"
by sdruav.com
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