All About Mesh NetworksIP UserGroup USA taps into the expertise of Cosimo Malesci, Director, Fluidmesh Networks, for this installment of IPUG USA’s Technical Tips newsletter.
IPUG USA: What is a mesh network and what are its benefits?
Malesci: Wireless mesh is a new network architecture that uses innovative and “intelligent” wireless transmitters. In a wireless mesh network, every mesh unit not only transmits data packets coming from the cameras directly attached to it, but can also forward packets coming from other mesh units through the optimal path. The unmatched reliability and flexibility that a mesh-capable transmitter offers makes wireless mesh preferred network architecture for high-end wireless video-surveillance systems.
IPUG USA: What are some of the most widely used applications of wireless mesh technology?
Malesci: Mesh networks have been a very active field of academic research over the last two decades and the U.S. Department of Defense has funded research on mesh networks. The initial applications of wireless mesh networks were for mobile and nomadic communication in the battlefield or other hostile environments.
Video-streaming and video-surveillance have been among the latest additions to the list of possible applications for mesh technology. Mesh-based video-surveillance enables several innovative applications for video control, as well. Police departments can easily move or add new cameras for temporary events such as summit meetings, demonstrations, strikes, sporting events, etc. Mesh units can be installed on police cars or vans to serve as mobile cameras for special events.
Temporary networks can be quickly installed in case of emergency or natural disaster, creating a moveable and easily deployable wireless infrastructure to transmit data, video and voice. In addition, a mesh network can also be used for other applications including access control, VOIP, SCADA, and Wi-Fi coverage.
IPUG USA: What do integrators need to know in order to properly install a wireless mesh network?
Malesci: Attending a wireless mesh class is the first step to successfully deploying this technology. That said wireless mesh networks need to be carefully engineered on paper in order to work properly. Consequently, the design phase is the most important one.
High-resolution video-streaming over a mesh network presents several technical challenges. The main concern is bandwidth particularly in a multi-hop transmission which may decrease usable bandwidth and increase delay. A careful assessment of line of sight and link length is also required. A good way to start is by using a map or a satellite image. A careful design will be able to take into account all these factors and avoid any surprises in the field.
Two other useful skills are a solid IP and Networking knowledge and some hands-on experience with wireless equipment. Clearly, there is a learning curve.
IPUG USA: What are the most commonly used antennas and how do you decide which antennas are best for a specific application?
Malesci: Antennas are a key component of any wireless system and, on a mesh network, omni-directional or directional antennas are used. Antennas are chosen in the design phase based on link distance, height difference between the antenna locations, interferences, and bandwidth. Ed: (Contrary to what most people think, mesh networks can be designed using directional antennas as well. The Fluidmesh dual radio system allows directional links to be created while still providing increased redundancy. This is clearly an advantage because it allows for greater flexibility in the network design and allows for a distance up to about ten miles between nodes.)
IPUG USA: Are wireless mesh networks more cost-effective for the client?
Malesci: From a cost perspective, wireless mesh networks are a viable solution in every situation where a wired infrastructure is not present and trenching is not feasible. The ease of deployment of a mesh network makes it an ideal solution for a myriad of locations, such as urban areas, airports, parking lots, and golf courses to name just a few. The time required to install a mesh network is significantly less compared to trenching and running cables or fiber, resulting in a much shorter installation time less invasive installation procedure.
An added perk is that mesh networks can be easily expanded or modified – giving both the integrator and the client a lot more flexibility. A mesh network infrastructure can be used not only for video but for many other connectivity needs that could arise down the road, such as access control, emergency phones, or Wi-Fi coverage. If the client later decides to make modifications, such as adding card readers in some of the buildings or installing emergency phones in parking lots, these features can be added economically to the system without any changes to the mesh infrastructure.
Cosimo Malesci has been a forerunner in using mesh networks for video surveillance applications, providing new and cutting edge services. He holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in engineering from MIT. After working in the maritime field, he co-founded Fluidmesh in late 2004 with offices in Boston, MA and Milan, Italy. This new venture has allowed him to apply his fine understanding of engineering to the security field. Fluidmesh has been a pioneer in the applications of wireless mesh technology for security applications by focusing on the development of top-quality wireless products for video-surveillance applications in large areas at risk such as municipalities, industrial plants, seaports and marinas, archaeological sites, resorts, theme parks and racing tracks. In less than three years time, Fluidmesh has positioned itself as a leading manufacturer of wireless technology by focusing on thorough and practical solutions in a world increasingly preoccupied by security matters. For more information on FluidMesh visit www.fluidmesh.com.
For more information on mesh networks be sure to catch Cosimo Malesci at IP-in-Action LIVE Orlando, Feb 12, 2008, where he will be presenting a seminar titled, “Wireless Mesh Technology for Video Surveillance Applications.” Register Now
