Meshdynamics
Frequently Asked Questions 1/2  
What is the typical range (node to node distance)?   
Range is dependant on antenna gain, radio transmit power, radio receive sensitivity, obstructions and RF interference in the environment.  It is also dependant on the data rate sought - the range is significantly more at 6 Mbps than 20 Mbps data rates. Range also depends on whether a 5GHz backhaul or 2.4GHz backhaul is used. At a throughput of 20-22 Mbps TCP/IP, with 5GHz radios and 8 dB antennas 400-500 m range is commonplace. 14 miles has been achieved by DHS

See Also
Backhaul Range  Access Point Range  Antenna Alignment       
 
What is the field tested throughput of Meshdynamics MD4000 mesh nodes?        
MD4000 products use a 5GHz backhaul and 2.4GHz radios for client service. Tests conducted by US government labs indicate 54 Mbps raw and approx 22 Mbps TCP/IP for the 80211abg radios. There was no appreciable degradation due to Meshdynamics Third-Generation technology that allows bandwidth to be conserved over multiple relay or "hops". The OpenWRT unit with 80211ac MIMO radios clocks in at 200+ Mbps in preliminary field tests by the US Government.

Note: OEM Licensees have run on non-OpenWRT boards and  802.11ac radios. Sharp-QX-C300-Series-Press-Releases.
 
What is the maximum data traffic distribution supported emanating from a one wired Ethernet link? 
Approx 80 Mbps TCP/IP in non turbo mode with the MD4454 with 80211 abg radios MD4454 was measured. This is four radios configured as 802.11a downlinks - four branches from the Ethernet link. 

Note: OEM Licensees have ported the code to run 802.11ac and 802.11n radios. Sharp-QX-C300-Series-Press-Releases
 
What is the typical range of the AP radio (node to client distance)?
With an 8dBi omni-directional antenna on the AP radio, clients can associate (on 802.11b/g) from 300 meters provided the client is in line of site with the mesh node.  If the client device in not in line of site, the distance decreases to 100-150 meters. Range depends on connectivity modes.  Clients on 802.11b can achieve twice the range of 802.11g mode. More 
 
What is the power consumption for the Meshdynamics MD4000 mesh nodes?
MD4000 mesh node configurations support from two to four active radios in the same enclosure .The processor consumes around 8 W. Each active radio uses approx 2 W to produce 400 mw output power on the 802.11 abg radios. Power  consumption varies from 12 W (two radios) to 16 W (four active radios). 

Note: the components on the MD4000 board run on 3.3V (nominal), so there is a DC-DC converter on the board. The input voltage range supported is 9-48 volts. If the RJ45 Ethernet port is used to provide Power over Ethernet (POE), then the maximum allowable current over the RJ45 leads is 1A.  The recommended POE is rated at 24V 2A.

A variant of the MD4000 board may also be powered directly from low voltage portable battery packs. [More
   
What are the dimensions and weight of the MD4000 mesh nodes?
The weatherproof die cast aluminum enclosure is 8" long by 6" width by 2" deep. The unit weighs 3 lbs. [Images]
 
What is the default Meshdynamics MD4000 configuration ?
The MD4350-AAIx is our most commonly requested configuration. This is a three-radio mesh node that uses two of its radios for the 5GHz, 802.11a multi-channel backhaul.  The third radio is a 2.4GHz AP. [MD4000 Numbering Scheme]
   
Does the Meshdynamics MD4000 configuration support multiple access point radios (AP)?        
Yes.  The MD4458-AAII has two access point (AP) radios.  The MD4458-AIII has three AP radios and no downlink. [More]
        
Does Meshdynamics offer a backhaul-only configuration for perimeter video surveillance?      
Yes.  Where client access is not required, The MD4250-AAxx two-radio (5Ghz uplink and downlink radios) is suggested. As with all MD4000 mesh nodes, wired clients such as IP cameras may plug directly into one of two Ethernet port. [More]
        
What does Meshdynamics recommend for antenna selection and alignment techniques?
Antenna selection and alignment is critical to establishing a reliable RF link. Also Meshdynamics 5GHz radios need antennas that support a range from 5.25GHz to 5.85GHz.  Superpass antennas are recommended.  
 
The antenna type (omni or sectored) is driven by range and throughput requirements . Some general suggestions are provided here. Please feel free to contact Technical Support to explore which model and antenna is best for your application.
 
How are unusually-shaped meshes handled by the MD4000 mesh node?
Relay nodes equipped with two downlink radios allow a "shaping" of the mesh by having the ability to shoot downlink signals in separate directions.  This is especially helpful in geographical bottlenecks. [More]
         

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