Starbucks, or a Hotel and wondered how do I get on the network and how can I print to my printer? Then you just experienced the complexity of a Mesh Network.  This webinar will talk about the most common network available to everyone, the Mesh Network.  We will talk about what a Mesh Network is, how it functions and how it compares to other various network types. Lastly this session will cover some basic ways to setup your own MESH Network at your library.  In some instances, you may have already set one up and didn’t even know it.

2. In a World of Mesh
All you ever wanted to know about Mesh Networking

3. MESH
• Starbucks, or a Hotel and wondered how do I get on the network and
how can I print to my printer? Then you just experienced the
complexity of a Mesh Network. This webinar will talk about the most
common network available to everyone, the Mesh Network. We will
talk about what a Mesh Network is, how it functions and how it
compares to other various network types. Lastly this session will
cover some basic ways to setup your own MESH Network at your
library. In some instances, you may have already set one up and
didn’t even know it.

4. What’s on the Agenda?
• What the heck is a MESH??
• So I need Wires to make MESH, Right?
• What am I going to do with all this MESH?
• I got this! Now hook me up with the Geek Speak!
• OK I did the MESH Thing Now what?

5. What the heck is a MESH??

7. Questions?

8. Do you know if you already use a
MESH?

9. OK I did the MESH Thing Now what?
• If you use DropBox, OneDrive, Google Apps, Email, etc? Then you
have already used a MESH network.
• A MESH network is what connects you to internet based services.
• It also connects you to other people & devices.
• Its how a hacker can access your computer at home.
• Its how you can send an email to a loved one.
• Its how you can go onto Facebook and Post what you ate for dinner last night.

10. What the heck is a MESH??
• The Internet: The Original MESH Network
• “The Internet is the world’s largest MESH network. Information
travels across the Internet by being bounced automatically from one
router to the next until it reaches its destination. The Internet is often
depicted as a “cloud” or “web” of connectivity because of the billions
of potential paths across which data can travel.”

11. What the heck is a MESH??
• A way for two or more network
devices to talk to one another
• The network design is one when
each device communicates as well
as relays data to other devices on
the network.

12. What the heck is a MESH??
• There are many ways for
computers to talk called
Topologies.
• Fully Connected
• Bus
• Star
• Ring
• Mesh
• End goal for devices to talk

13. What the heck is a MESH??
• A MESH network means every device has a point to point link
• Its one type of network used for the Internet of Things devices talk to
one another
• Phone & WANs
• Connects STAR networks

14. What the heck is a MESH??
• Its advantages over other Network types
is:
• Uses dedicated paths to prevent traffic jams
on your network.
• Its provides detours when paths are broken
• Its private and secure
• Easy to troubleshoot

15. So I need Wires to make MESH,
Right?

16. So I need Wires to make MESH, Right?
How are you accessing your Internet
services?

17. So I need Wires to make MESH, Right?
• In Short NO…
• MESH networks no longer
require Wires
• There are tons of different
ways to communicate
• Radio Waves
• Wireless
• Infrared

18. So I need Wires to make MESH, Right?
• Evolution of network has
open communication over
wireless networks
• Cellular Devices & Towers
• Evolution of networks for
far rural areas
• Installation of Wireless
Repeaters

19. So I need Wires to make MESH, Right?
• Wireless Mesh Networks are Economical.
• LOOK!!! NO WIRES MOM!!
• They are a Key technology for next-generation wireless networking.
• Can easily, effective and wirelessly connect entire cities using
inexpensive, existing technology.

20. What am I going to do with all
this MESH?

21. What am I going to do with all this MESH?
• SURPRISE!!! You’re already using
one!
• MESH networks connect the world
together
• It starts with your STAR network at
your work or home
• It Connects to a MESH that
connects to another STAR

22. What am I going to do with all this MESH?

23. What am I going to do with all this MESH?
• Your Home Network and
Employer Network is usually on
a STAR network
• If the central point goes down
the entire network goes down.
• If all works the Central Point
talks to the MESH network. “The
INTERNET”

24. What am I going to do with all this MESH?
• If a link in the MESH goes
down, your network can
connect to others.
• Sending an email from
your network follows this
same path.

25. I got this! Now hook me up with
the Geek Speak!

26. I got this! Now hook me up with the Geek
Speak!
• The Geek Definition:
• “A mesh network is a network that employs one of two connection
arrangements, full mesh topology or partial mesh topology. In the full mesh
topology, each node is connected directly to each of the others. In the partial
mesh topology, nodes are connected to only some, not all, of the other
nodes.” – [TechTarget and Telecom Glossary 2k Definition]

27. I got this! Now hook me up with the Geek
Speak!
• There are three types of Wireless MESH Networks
• Infrastructure Wireless Mesh
• Form an infrastructure for clients
• Client Wireless Mesh
• Client nodes perform actual functions of network. The Routing and Config functions.
• Hybrid Wireless Mesh
• Mesh clients perform Mesh functions with other Mesh Clients as well as accessing
network
• Wireless Mesh networks still leverage networking technologies of
801.11a, b, g, n, and ac. This technology is useful for Non-Line-of-
Sight (NLoS) network configurations.

28. I got this! Now hook me up with the Geek
Speak!

29. I got this! Now hook me up with the Geek
Speak!

30. I got this! Now hook me up with the Geek
Speak!
• To transmit data on any network it uses a Packet
• A network device is connected to a Switch or Hub
• This Switch/Hub is connected to a Router which communicates to the
larger network
• Wide Area Network (WAN) is the MESH
• This connects into another router that leads into another STAR
network

31. I got this! Now hook me up with the Geek
Speak!
• Desktops & Laptops
are wired into
network
• Laptops & Mobile can
be wireless into LAN
• LAN connects to
Internet

32. OK I did the MESH Thing Now
what?

33. OK I did the MESH Thing Now what?
• Mesh networks can be implemented in many areas, business
segments, etc.
• Developing Countries
• Solar-Powered nodes are connected to cellular or satellite internet.
• Isolated Locations
• Series of Wireless nodes connected to wired access point
• Education
• Implementation to eliminate burying cables between buildings
• Healthcare
• Nodes sent signals short distances to ensure access in every room

34. OK I did the MESH Thing Now what?
• The Future of MESH
• US Military foresees microchip-size devices that can be used on
battlefields for scouting and surveillance
• Carmakers and telecom companies working to develop Intelligent
Transport Systems (ITS)
• Street & Highway based MESH networks.
• Using cameras and in-car sensors

35. OK I did the MESH Thing Now what?

36. OK I did the MESH Thing Now what?

37. OK I did the MESH Thing Now what?
• How do you setup your own MESH network in the Library?
• The Shopping List:
• At least 3 to 4 Routers/Switch (Linksys or Netgear Cheap ones will work)
• Laptops/Computers to connect into the routers
• Configure Routers with different IP’s
• 192.168.1.1
• 192.168.2.1
• 192.168.3.1
• 192.168.4.1

38. OK I did the MESH Thing Now what?
• Connect machines to each of the
routers.
• Configure the routers to accept to
allow two-way communication
through the WAN port.

39. Questions?