Wireless networking has been around for more than a decade, but mesh is a relatively recent revolution. This book edits together extensive research from about 50 global experts into an easy-to-read, fluid and authoritative account of this emerging technology and market.
The release of the 802.11 IEEE standard in 1997 set off a chain of developments including 802.11 a / b / g / and n that have revolutionized the lives of computer users - to a point where laptop/notebooks/netbooks tend to be a primary and fully capable method for network access today.
A similar effort, 802.11s, has been under development since at least 2003 - with the objective of establishing a mesh networking standard. This book does an excellent job raising many of the considerations behind that standard, at the same time it addresses other protocol and standards.
The book chapters highlight the main conceptual areas of wireless networking in general, with a specific focus on mesh. Each chapter contains enough detail for the chapter to stand on its own, while also providing extensive references for the reader who wants to dig deeper.
Mesh networking is already acting as the the digital nervous system in some municipal wireless deployments. One of the most novel applications of mesh in the market today is in the OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) computer. In the OLPC, mesh capabilities are built-in and provide shared network connectivity even in the absence of extensive infrastructure.
It's possible mesh will lead to the next networked wireless revolution.
The final two chapters provide real relevance to the academic richness of the preceding chapters. The book ends with a case study on "Fire Emergency Management" and a final chapter on "Wireless Mesh Networks for Public Safety and Disaster Recovery Applications." This is where the technology really hits the road and will change lives.
While there is quite a bit of scattered information discussing "mesh" on the web, consider that an appetizer (or dessert). This book is the main meal and the real deal. A book that shares insight and saves you many hours of research like this is a keeper. This book delivers coherent, enjoyable to read, authoritative coverage of mesh. More than just reading this book, I've been using it. If you are new to mesh, or curious about how it fits into the overall wireless landscape, this book is a great guide.