Click here for short descriptive videos outlining the benefits of using MeshDynamics' Third Generation Technology.

MeshDynamics has been talking about our patented multi-radio/ multi-channel mesh networking technology since 2002 but there has been confusion about what "multiple-radio" mesh means, and how our frequency agile approach is different from others. This document clarifies the differences, with focus on the wireless relay path ("backhaul") through the mesh back to the Ethernet Feed. 

Here's how the MeshDynamics Architecture compare with earlier generations of mesh products.

First Generation: A single radio provides both service (connection to individual user devices) and backhaul (links across the mesh to the wired or fiber connection), so wireless congestion and contention takes place at every node. Users soon discovered that only two radio "hops" were possible between connections to the wired or fiber Ethernet. Support was also poor for Video and Voice applications because of varying delay across the network. Most mesh network providers have "upgraded" to the dual radio described below. 

RF Interference issues: This architecture is the worst of all possible worlds. Both the client and backhaul share the same radio, subject to RF interference from other radios operating on the same  or adjacent frequencies. 
 
Second Generation: also called Dual Radio: To solve these contention and congestion issues, second generation mesh was developed by placing two radios in each node, combining an 802.11b/g service radio with an 802.11a backhaul radio. While this offered a performance improvement over first-generation mesh, problems remain. With heavy user demand, there is still significant contention and congestion on the backhaul links. This limits the number of radio hops - typically three or less - before a wired Ethernet feed  is needed. Competing mesh products fall into this category. Regardless of how many radios are in the box, only one radio participates in the backhaul. "Dual Radio" does not imply a dual radio backhaul. [Illustration]

RF Interference issues: This architecture segments interference from client radios and the backhaul. But note all backhaul radios share the same frequency, subject to RF interference from others operating on the same or adjacent frequencies.  If there is RF interference from a radio operating on the unlicensed backhaul frequency the entire network would need to switch channels. Unrealistic in practice.

Third Generation: MeshDynamics' patented and patent pending solutions begin by adding additional logical- or physical radios to each mesh node. One radio is used to create the uplink - the link to its upstream (nearer the wired source or "root") node. Another radio creates the down link - a link downstream to the next neighbor node. Both up link and downlink radios are active at the same time (see animation) and together form the patented Structured Mesh^TM Backhaul. The uplink and downlink operate on non interfering channels to eliminate adjacent channel interference and performance degradation over multiple hops.  MeshDynamics products power a 40+ radio hop networks. No other mesh network vendor has demonstrated this level of scalable performance.
   
RF Interference issues: This architecture segments the interference from client radios and the backhaul. Further each backhaul is split into two radios, operating on two different channels. RF interference in one segment of the network is automatically addressed by our patented dynamic channel management technology. [Ilustration]
 
Related Links

Video Web Casts  Video Web Casts of distinctive features of the MD4000 Family.
  Wireless Switch Equivalence MeshDynamics network topologies resemble non looping, scalable switch stacks.
  MD4000 Model Configurations  Overview of our model configurations and their intended usage. Brochure
  MD4000 Network Management System  Overview of our Network monitor and configuration system.
  Frequently Asked Questions  On Antenna selection, GPS, Mobility extensions, Hazard proof enclosures