Wireless Mesh networks

Kurzfassung

A North west region of the United Kingdom University has developed a novel method of bringing bandwidth internet access at low cost to remote areas with low density population using wireless mesh networks. The developer is looking to licence this method to suppliers of communication systems.

Details

A NorthWest region UK university has designed and developed a wireless mesh network to enable the use of broadband internet services by remote small populations that are too far from a telephone exchange or other cable distribution networks. This has been achieved by designing small hardware boxes or nodes with antennas and appropriate electronics, radio signalling and specially written software. These nodes are then installed at appropiate sites and make up a self managed network. The network can also be made self reliant in terms of power usage by linking up to local renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power.

Innovative Aspects:
The design of the system and software enables remote low population density areas to be provided with provided with broad band internet access.

The advantages are that:
The network can be installed at low cost.
Has a low maintenance cost due to the rugged design.
Can be powered by renewable energy sources locally, such as wind or solar power and are therefore not dependent on a large infrastructure for power delivery.