A wireless mesh network is a network consisting of organized radio nodes. The organization in such case follows mesh topology. It can also be a type of wireless ad hoc network. In a mesh network, each network node is connected to one or more others. The network is coherent, from each node there is a path to every other node. The information is passed from node to node until it reaches the destination. When each participant is connected to every other participant, it is called a fully meshed network.
A mesh Wi-Fi is a wireless local network consisting of several Wi-Fi components, which is connected and jointly controlled by the components (base and satellites) of the end devices located in the “mesh area”. is seen as a uniform WLAN and is intended to ensure the most comprehensive reception possible with the same transmission speed. These components can be, for example, a router with an access point and other WLAN devices such as repeaters or powerline adapters.
Networks that set up and configure themselves automatically are also called autonomous ad-hoc networks (mobile ad hoc networks, MANet) or mesh networks.
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Changing a terminal device from one WLAN component to another is the task of the terminal in simple WLAN networks. Especially with mobile devices, this roaming between several WLAN stations is often a weak point. A mesh Wi-Fi system is designed to improve roaming. The components of a mesh Wi-Fi actively intervene and support the end devices in the transition to another Wi-Fi station or frequency band with the most powerful connection at their respective location. Controller-based Wi-Fi access points that do not offer meshing may also support mechanisms to enable better roaming. Roaming capabilities are largely based on centralized management, which is mandatory, but not exclusive, on devices that offer true meshing.
Features of Wireless Mesh Network (mesh Wi-Fi)
Uniform manufacturer-independent features that define the term mesh, which has been increasingly used in marketing for home networks, are not defined. However, some properties are seen as basic features for the network of active WLAN mesh components which includes automatic connection of the mesh components to each other and synchronization of all settings and firmware updates, automatic uninterrupted transition of a WLAN device from one mesh component to another (access point steering).
The mesh decides on its own which station delivers the best performance for a device – especially for mobile devices in the mesh area.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High to completely comprehensive reception coverage
- Little loss in the transmission rate
- Same (radio) network name (SSID) of all components for the end devices
Cons
- Higher acquisition costs compared to a simple access point
- Higher energy consumption
- Binding to a manufacturer, since usually only components of one manufacturer form a mesh
