IEEE 802.11s
802.11 is a set of IEEE standards that govern wireless networking transmission methods. They are commonly used today in their 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g versions to provide wireless connectivity in the home, office and some commercial establishments.
ESS Mesh Networking
802.11s is the unapproved IEEE 802.11 standard for ESS Mesh Networking. It specifies an extension to the IEEE 802.11 MAC to solve the interoperability problem by defining an architecture and protocol that support both broadcast/multicast and unicast delivery using "radio-aware metrics over self-configuring multi-hop topologies.
The Wi-Mesh Alliance, which includes Accton Technology, ComNets, InterDigital Communications, NextHop Technologies, Nortel, and Thomson, has presented a proposal that will enable seamless communications for wireless users regardless of equipment vendor.
Another consortium, SEEMesh, is backed by Intel, Nokia, Motorola, NTT DoCoMo and Texas Instruments. As part of their 802.11s proposal, Intel has introduced what they call Mesh Portals. Mesh portals offer interoperability to mesh networks by allowing older (and newer) wireless standard technology to be recognized and incorporated into the network.
The two joint proposals submitted from these two consortiums for consideration for an 802.11s standard received the highest votes at the July 2005 meeting.
Not all companies in the space have signed on to the 802.11s standards process. Some of the largest vendors, including BelAir Networks, Tropos Networks, and Strix Systems, are not part of any of the groups making proposals.
Task group TGs hopes to vote on the various 802.11s proposals by the end of 2006 or the beginning of 2007. The standard is targeted to be approved by 2008.
See Also
External References
- IEEE P802 Status of Project IEEE 802.11s Status of the standards group
- [http://www.mobilepipeline.com/howto/21600011 Understanding Wireless Mesh Networks: Part 1
Here's the low-down on what mesh networks are and how to use them in the enterprise.] Frank Bulk Mobile Pipeline June 9, 2004
- Wi-Mesh Alliance Presents Proposal for IEEE 802.11s Converge! network digest
- See Mesh? SEEMesh Proposed
- 802.11s tackles mesh networks Peer networking covers areas cheaply Joanie Wexler Network World July 06, 2004
- Get ready for 802.11s — Intel proposes mesh networking standard Peter Rojas engaget Mar 7, 2005
- IEEE Starts Weaving Mesh Network Standard Alliances make proposals for 802.11s, which will link wireless LANs. Stephen Lawson IDG News Service July 20, 2005
- Wi-Mesh Moves Toward IEEE Standard Jay Lyman TechNewsWorld July 21, 2005
- Making wireless mesh a reality: Accton moves ahead in 802.11s Chris Hall DigiTimes.com August 25, 2005
- Primer: Making A Mesh Of Your WLAN Dave Molta Information Week Aug. 26, 2005