Mesh Networks is releasing a mesh software suite, MeshConnex, that can be embedded on any standard 802.11 chip: Initially, Mesh Networks built the software into Atheros 802.11a/b/g access point chipsets so that products built with those chips can support mesh networking. Embedding Mesh Networks' software onto standard 802.11 chips means that customers can buy products from a variety of vendors. The move could also drive down the price for equipment with MeshConnex because the software will be added to standard 802.11 gear.
"We don't break the 802.11 standard," said Rick Rotondo, vice president of marketing for Mesh Networks. "The end products are certifiable because we don't touch anything to do with the Wi-Fi standard." To date, customers could only buy equipment with the Mesh Networks capability directly from Mesh Networks. Mesh Networks sells access points based on a proprietary radio technology called QDMA or based on 802.11.
Access points that use a Mesh Networks-enabled Atheros chip can create a mesh network with a nearby mesh-enabled client or AP or communicate with non-mesh devices. It can do both simultaneously. Atheros is the first chipmaker that Mesh worked with but the company is working with other chip manufacturers as well, Rotondo said.
Mesh Networks will demonstrate its MeshConnex software running on Atheros chips today and tomorrow at the IEEE meeting in Florida. The timing is right for Mesh because IEEE members are likely to discuss at the meeting the formation of a working group to standardize mesh networking. During the last IEEE meeting in Vancouver, the group approved a study group for mesh networking. In Florida, Rotondo hopes that group will become a full-fledged working group and a chairman will be elected. Companies including Intel, Cisco, and Motorola have expressed interest in being part of the mesh networking working group, he said.