Mesh wireless networking

The Welsh community of Pontypridd witnessed BT's first trial of mesh wireless, the technology the telco is evaluating as a possible successor to ADSL for the broadband access sector. Mesh networking, is based on a multipoint-to-multipoint architecture. Instead of letting users connect via a near basestation mesh networks are viewed as a new generation of fixed wireless broadband access technology that allows users to connect via adjacent customers' nodes. Using roof-mounted nodes with steerable, directional antennas that relay radio signals from one to another, mesh systems have the advantage that they eliminate the problems of line-of-sight. Because multiple paths are provided for each customer, should trees or high buildings block any particular signal, there are always alternative paths to offer redundancy.