Mesh networks; a new architecture for broadband wireless access systems

This paper describes the attributes and practical realisation of mesh architectures for broadband wireless access (BWA) deployment. The mesh concept eliminates the need for base stations and instead uses an arrangement of short point-to-point connections that evolves as subscribers join the system. This inherently simple concept can be developed to produce systems with many attractive advantages for operators and subscribers. Future services will require high data rates, complete flexibility in the ratio of traffic received to traffic sent, low cost equipment and capability to reach virtually any subscriber who wants service. As deployment moves from the relatively high revenue business subscriber towards mass-market deployment, issues such as high levels of coverage, spectral efficiency, capacity, co-existence and ease of deployment become increasingly important. Mesh solutions offer substantial benefits in all these areas.