Mesh Networking

Introduction

Amateur radio mesh networking uses off the shelf commercial wifi hardware strategically located and loaded with special firmware. Each mesh “node” automatically configures to route traffic to its destination by the most direct series of nodes. If a node goes off the air or a new node appears, the system automatically adjusts. There is no central hub or controller and no need to manually configure routes. The mesh itself is only a network. Applications for this network are virtually unlimited and include:

• IP phones
• Video feeds
• Text chat
• File transfer
• Hosting intra-net web sites

Capabilities such as these could prove invaluable to emergency services in a situation where, for instance, the internet, cell phones and land lines are not available.

Temporary nodes can easily be deployed to provide a video feeds along a parade or marathon route, for instance.

Initial Ideas

• It was proposed that providing IP phones service connecting multiple fire stations would be well-received.
• W2SJT VHF repeater site
  • LOS to most other potential sites
  • Save it for when we have more experience?
• Belvidere Ambulance Squad to Harmony Firehouse (to WC3T in Nazareth PA?)
• Roof or Warren Tech to Washington Boro Firehouse and/or K2FN

Phase One

We've already experimented with nodes that are relatively near each other so the next step could be to temporarily create a more complex network over longer range where some nodes can not see all the other nodes.

Phase Two

Semi-permanent installation at a few of the sites above.

Site Requirements

• Strictly line-of-sight
  • Even tree leaves can attenuate the signal
• Nodes mount to 1.5" dia vertical pipe
• Outdoor rated, shielded CAT5 cable provides POE power and wired connectivity to site services
• Power is 12-24VDC
  • AC input power supply
  • Batteries
    • Float charged backup
    • Solar/Wind/etc.
• Multiple nodes one one site
  • Probably need to be on different channels
  • Two nodes can be linked ethernet port to ethernet port
  • More than two need a network switch

Hardware Inventory

Courtesy of KD2EVR

• 4x Nanostation M2
• 5x Nanobridge M2
• 3x AC-input POE Injectors

Wish List

• Outdoor shielded CAT5 cable
• Shielded Connectors
• Grounding wire
• Lightening arrestors
• More Nodes
• POE Injectors (with and without AC power supply)
• CAT5 Patch Cords
• Managed and Unmanaged network switches for linking multiple nodes at the same site
• Gel-cells for temporary nodes
• Site Access!