Mesh - community networks of the future?

Mesh networks differ from other networks in architecture - the component parts can connect to a number of neighbor nodes. It allows for continuous connections and reconfiguration around broken or blocked paths by jumping from node to node until the destination is reached.
The main features of wireless mesh networks:

• dynamically arranged connections - routes of packets depend on the state and work load of individual nodes,
• due to switching between the nodes - the risk of disruption of data transmission is considerably lower than in the case of star-shape architecture,
• possibility of quicker transmission thanks to lack of a central node,
• easy expansion by adding new nodes,
• new nodes can be installed in any places where they can communicate with other nodes and power supply is available.

So far, there is no final standard for this kind of wireless networks, but the work is on track since 2003 (the proposals were submitted to a vote in 2005). The result is IEEE 802.11s - a draft IEEE 802.11 amendment for mesh networking. Lack of accepted standard is the reason that mass development of the networks is a matter of time. This kind of solution is often used for applications requiring good network coverage and high reliability, where wired systems are not available or feasible.