If you are planning to set up wireless networks at one of your venues, then a Wireless Mesh network is a simple, reliable and cost-effective solution. This technology delivers self-configuring, scalable, and self-healing networks. It is the ultimate 'hotspot' solution!
Traditional wireless formats suffer from rigid structure, meticulous planning requirements, and dropped signals. In contrast, wireless mesh networks are 'multihop' systems in which devices assist each other in transmitting packets through the network, especially in adverse conditions.
You can drop these ad hoc networks into place with minimal preparation, and they provide a reliable, flexible system that can be extended to thousands of devices.
The advantages of a mesh network are:
Self Organisation - each node works the routing out for itself, saving time and effort in administration.
Wide Coverage - multi-hop networks extend wireless range around obstacles and over greater distances.
Scaleable - just add more nodes. The routing configuration is automatic, and there is no exponential rise in complexity as the network grows.
Network Resilience - The self organising functions run continuously, so when changes occur to connections and reception the mesh will automatically re-route around blockages in real time.
Very Powerful - The unique features of the mesh make it a very powerful tool for building data networks.
The Mesh network is created using a series of special 802.11a/b/g Access Points (MeshAPs) that create a single, scalable wireless network. The gateway MeshAP (that is, the MeshAP that is connected to the internet) can obtain its internet access from WiFi, local broadband or a Local area network.
If you want to increase the size/range of your network, you just add another MeshAP. And because it's built around standard 802.11a and 802.11b/g (WiFi) hardware, all you need to access the network is a standard WiFi network card.
Designed to support zero-configuration deployments, the Cisco Aironet 1522 Lightweight Outdoor Mesh Access Point easily and securely joins the mesh network and helps manage and monitor the network through the controller and Wireless Control System (WCS) graphical or command-line interface (CLI). It supports:
- Dual-band radios compliant with IEEE 802.11a and 802.11b/g standards
- Uplink connectivity options such as Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T)
- Small form factor pluggable (SFP) slot for fiber (100Base-BX) and cable modem interface
- Power options such as 480 VAC, 12 VDC, Power over Cable, Power over Ethernet (PoE), and internal battery backup power
Compliant with IEEE 802.11i and Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) and employing hardware-based Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) between wireless nodes, the Cisco Aironet 1522 provides end-to-end security.
- Lower total cost of ownership: Uses existing cable infrastructure with integrated cable modem interface and strand mount capability
- Improved access and backhaul connectivity
- Enhanced security
- Improved radio performance: Uses 802.11g maximal ratio combining (MRC) technology
- Increased reliability and availability: Rugged enclosure for extreme weather and hazardous environments; improved field maintenance design for ease and speed of repair
- Easy application deployment
If you would like any more information on a wireless mesh network please give us a call or use our contact us page.
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