This is a comprehensive introduction to MESH for amateur radio enthusiasts. It is particularly useful for anyone new to MESH but will also include some nuggets sure to be helpful to the experienced operator. Topics include: 1. HSMM MESH vs. traditional digital modes 2. Router review & comparison 3. Firmware selection & configuration 4. Antenna considerations 5. Application scenarios for ARES and experimentation 6. Updates on local efforts & recent software announcements Visit VA3BCO.COM for more details.

1. HSMM MESH Networking (BBHN)
Considerations for Amateur Radio
November 2014
Brian VA3BCO
Web: www.va3bco.com Twitter: @VA3BCO

2. What You’ll Learn Today
HSMM MESH
HIGH SPEED MULTI-MEDIA
• MICROWAVE FREQUENCIES
• AMATEUR PRIVILEGES FOR INCREASED
TRANSMIT POWER / ANTENNA GAIN
• MASSIVE SPEED / CAPACITY
ADVANTAGE OVER TRADITIONAL
DIGITAL MODES
MESH NETWORKING
• P2P ARCHITECTURE
• HIGHLY RESILIENT / FLEXIBLE
• UNIQUELY SUITED TO AD HOC
DEPLOYMENTS

3. Overview
1. Quick Comparison to Traditional Digital Modes
2. Introduction to “HSMM” and “MESH”
3. Practical Advice on Getting Started:
¤ Router Review & Comparison
¤ BBHN Firmware Selection & Configuration
¤ Antenna Considerations
4. Now What: Applications for ARES & Beyond

4. Quick Comparison to
Traditional Digital Modes
Hardware & Soundcard Based Digital Modes

5. Digital Considerations
When evaluating digital modes, what should we consider?
BANDWIDTH
How much
bandwidth is
available or how
much do we need for
the digital mode?
SPEED
How fast is the mode
able to transfer
information?
ACCURACY
What is the need for
accuracy and does
the mode utilize
error correction
techniques?
EQUIPMENT
How specialized or
expensive is the
equipment?

6. Hardware TNCs & Modems
¤ Generally specialized / expensive equipment
¤ Not all modes available to amateurs
Kantronics KAM-XL All-Mode Wireless Modem
• Packet 300 / 1200 / 9600
• PSK / RTTY / and more
• ~ $400
http://www.kantronics.com/products/kamxl.html
SCS P4dragon DR-7800 HF Modem
• Pactor 4… max 10,500 bps
• Backwards compatible with Pactor I/II/III
• ~ $1800
http://www.p4dragon.com/en/Home.html

7. Soundcard Based Modes
¤ Generally low speeds and data capacity
PSK 31 MT63
http://www.arrl.org/images/view/News/nms_24.jpgSelection http://www.k7ea.com/pask232r.html
PACKET
http://www.k7ea.com/pask232r.html
WINMOR
http://www.soundcardpacket.http://www.arrl.org/news/rms-express-with-winmor-now-available-for-winlink-2000 org/3voltuneaid.htm

8. Massive Speed Difference
PSK / RTTY /
HF Packet
~ 30 to 300 bps
Pactor III
Pactor IV
~ 3 to 10 kbps
D-STAR
High Speed Data
128 kbps
HSMM
54 Mbps +

9. Takeaways: Traditional Digital Modes
STRENGTHS
¤ Narrow bandwidth makes
many of these modes
suitable for long distance
communication (HF)
¤ Flexibility of peer to peer
architecture for ad hoc
communication
¤ Even slow digital modes
can be more accurate
(and more private) than
voice communication
WEAKNESSES
¤ Low speeds prevent using multimedia
content which is highly prevalent today
¤ Hardware is highly specialized and expensive
¤ In the context of ARES, – Specialized operator
skillsets and equipment may hinder
availability (Knowledge of RMS, Fldigi, etc.)
¤ Poor compatibility with contemporary
software that is commonly used

10. HSMM MESH Opportunity
¤ What if we had high speed capacity / bandwidth?
¤ What if we had something that allowed users to easily
leverage common software where high familiarity exists?
¤ What if this could be deployed easily without any
significant pre-planning / architecture?
¤ What if this could be done relatively cheaply using COTS
(consumer off the shelf) hardware?

11. Intro to “HSMM” & “MESH”
Key Principles & Application to Amateur Radio

12. Network Topology Comparison
Typical Hub & Spoke Topology
Hub & Spoke Key Attributes
• Access points & nodes
• Generally require pre-planning &
permanent infrastructure
• Susceptible to single point of failure
• Internet reliant on AP connectivity
MESH Topology
MESH Key Attributes
• Peer to peer organic structure
• Self finding / organizing
• Multi-path data routing
• Fault tolerant
• Internet “from the edges”
Internet

13. MESH Example 1
2012 Hurricane Sandy

14. Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/21/us/us-promotes-network-to-foil-digital-spying.html?_r=2

16. • Red Hook MESH
• FEMA Uplink
http://oti.newamerica.net/blogposts/2013/case_study_red_hook_initiative_wifi_tidepools-78575

17. MESH Example 2
2014 Hong Kong
Photo: http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1611322/grid-messaging-application-firechat-continues-ride-occupy-boost

18. Risk of cellular and/or wifi shutdown
Source: http://mashable.com/2014/09/29/hong-kong-cell-network-chat/

19. ¤ 70 meters…bluetooth MESH
¤ No wifi / cellular connections
are needed
http://descrier.co.uk/technology/mesh-networks-like-firechat-used-hong-kong-protesters-make-switching-internet-much-harder/

20. ¤ 100,000 downloads in 24 hours
¤ 5.1 million chat sessions
¤ 37,000 used app simultaneously
Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/parmyolson/2014/09/29/firechat-prepares-encryption-feature-as-it-drives-hong-kong-protests/

21. What About Amateur Radio?
HSMM MESH
Commercial off the shelf (COTS)
WIFI routers
Customized firmware
based on OpenWRT

22. What About Amateur Radio?
Part 97 Licensed Part 15 Unlicensed
4 W
EIRP
15OO W PEP** +
22 dBi Antenna
237.7 kW
EIRP
30dBm (1W)
6 dBi Antenna
Licensed amateurs
don’t have the same
power / antenna gain
restrictions which
makes things more
interesting!
** For comparative example only…keep in mind RF maximum exposure limits (MPE).

23. Part 97 & Part 15 Overlap
¤ 13cm amateur band overlaps common wifi channels:
2.390
PART 15 UNLICENSED OVERLAP CH-1
PART 97 LICENSED
CH0
CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
CH5
CH6
CH7
CH8
CH9
CH10
CH11
2.400
2.450
2.500
Part 97 Licensed
• Allows equipment
modifications
• 1500 W PEP
• No EIRP limit
• High gain antennas
• Amps allowed
• Interference protection
• Usual stuff: call sign, no
encryption, etc.
Part 15 Unlicensed
• Approved equipment
with no modifications
• Max 1W (30dBm)
transmitter output
power
• Max 4W EIRP
(considering transmit
power and antenna
gain combination)
• Slightly higher EIRP for
directional point to
point applications

24. Not just 2.4GHz
¤ Overlap in both 13cm and 5cm bands…
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_multimedia_radio

25. 20/40 MHz width
8 overlapping ch.
OFDM
1500W PEP
Channels & Power
802.11g
2.390 – 2.400 GHz
54 Mbps
20 MHz width
8 overlapping ch.
OFDM
1500W PEP
22 MHz width
8 overlapping ch.
DSSS
10W PEP
802.11a
5.650 – 5.925 GHz
54 Mbps
802.11b
2.390 – 2.400 GHz
11 Mbps
20 MHz width
12 non-overlapping ch.
OFDM
1500W PEP
OFDM: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
DSSS: Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_multimedia_radio
802.11n
2.390 – 2.400 GHz
300 Mbps
5cm 13cm
Broadband Hamnet
CH.1

26. Reference: dBm / Watts Conversion
dBm
Watts
dBm
Watts
dBm
Watts
0
1.0 mW
16
40 mW
32
1.6 W
1
1.3 mW
17
50 mW
33
2.0 W
2
1.6 mW
18
63 mW
34
2.5 W
3
2.0 mW
19
79 mW
35
3.2 W
4
2.5 mW
20
100 mW
36
4.0 W
5
3.2 mW
21
126 mW
37
5.0 W
6
4 mW
22
158 mW
38
6.3 W
7
5 mW
23
200 mW
39
8.0 W
8
6 mW
24
250 mW
40
10 W
9
8 mW
25
316 mW
41
13 W
10
10 mW
26
398 mW
42
16 W
11
13 mW
27
500 mW
43
20 W
12
16 mW
28
630 mW
44
25 W
13
20 mW
29
800 mW
45
32 W
14
25 mW
30
1.0 W
46
40 W
15
32 mW
31
1.3 W
47
50 W
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_multimedia_radio

27. Getting Started with HSMM MESH
(BBHN) for Licensed Amateurs
Linksys or Ubiquiti Routers with HSMM-MESH Firmware

28. HSMM – MESH in One Slide
Here’s a simplified summary:
1. Obtain a supported router (only specific models work)
2. Download the correct HSMM-MESH firmware
3. Reflash the router (and use the proper SSID)
4. Minor setup in software (ie. Call Sign)
5. Other people with HSMM-MESH enabled routers using
the same SSID and within range will automatically
become part of the network

29. What Can I do With it?
¤ Whatever software applications you would have used on
a computer network, you can pretty much use on a
MESH network:
File
Sharing
IRC
Chat
Web
Browser
VOIP
Phone
IP
Cameras

30. More Detailed Explanation
The following sections will provide more detail:
Part 1 - Choosing a Router
Part 2 – Downloading & Installing the Firmware
Part 3 – Antenna Placement & Considerations
Part 4 – Operating with HSMM-MESH Software

31. Part 1 – Choosing a Router
Linksys or Ubiquiti Routers

32. Getting Started: Hardware
¤ Typically a Linksys router…but only certain ones…be sure
to check the list:
¤ http://www.broadband-hamnet.org/section-blog/37-
hardware-faqs/101-supported-hardware.html

33. Which Linksys Router?
¤ Find older Linksys routers (version 4 and below)
¤ Upon version 5, Linksys switched from a linux based firmware to
VxWorks OS and reduced flash memory / RAM
YES
WRT54G 1.0 – 4.0
WRT54GS 1.0 – 4.0
WRT54GL 1.0 – 1.1
NO
WRT54G 5.0+
WRT54GS 5.0+
Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series

34. Linksys: Antenna Connections
Antenna Connections
¤ Most models have
2x reverse polarity
TNC connectors
Source: http://www.hotarc.org/images/connectors.jpg
Source: http://wiki.openwrt.org/toh/linksys/wrt54g

35. Caution: Line Loss
Short feedline runs are critical
¤ Feedlines should be short possible since signal loss is
much higher at microwave frequencies (even when
using LMR-400)
10MHz
0.6dB loss / 100’
(RG-213)
2.4GHz
15.2dB loss / 100’
(RG-213)

36. Linksys: Power
Power Connections
¤ Accepts 4v – 16v
¤ Use AC power adapter
or solder connections for
USB or PowerPoles
Source: http://wiki.openwrt.org/toh/linksys/wrt54g

37. W5MAE RooTenna
19 dBi Panel Antenna ($100 - $150 in materials)
Instructions from W5MAE
http://bit.ly/1y8MnxE
Laird 2.4GHz 19dBi RooTenna:
http://bit.ly/1tgCCt3

38. Linksys Support Will End Soon

39. Linksys vs. Ubiquiti
79mW 630 mW

40. BBHN Support for Ubiquiti
Integrated Radio & Antenna Standalone Radio
Source: http://fleetnetwork.ca/collections/airmax

41. Ubiquiti Product Comparison
Name NanoStation M2 NanoStation Loco M2 AirGrid M2 HP Bullet M2 HP Rocket M2
Model NSM2 LOCOM2 AG-HP-2G20 M2 M2
Frequency 2.4 GHz 2.4 GHz 2.4 GHz 2.4 GHz 2.4 GHz
Op Freq Range 2412 - 2462 MHz 2412 - 2462 MHz 2412 - 2462 MHz 2412 - 2462 MHz 2402 - 2462 MHz
Thoroughput 150+ Mbps 150+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 150+ Mbps
Range 13+km 5+km 20 +km n/a n/a
Power Supply 24V, 0.5A POE 24V, 0.5A POE 24V, 0.5A POE Upto 24V 24V, 1A POE
POE Included? Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Max Power Consumption 5.5 Watts 8 Watts 3 Watts 7 Watts 6.5 Watts
Transmit Power (dBm) 28 dBm 23 dBm 28 dBm 28 dBm 28 dBm
Transmit Power (Watts) 630mW 200mW 630mW 630mW 630mW
Polarization Dual Linear Dual Linear V or H n/a n/a
Antenna Gain 11.2 dBi 8.5 dBi 20 dBi n/a n/a
Max Potential EIRP 39.2 dBm 31.5 dBm 48 dBm n/a n/a
RF Connector n/a n/a n/a N Male 2 RP SMA
Appx. Price (CDN) $100 $60 $80 $90 $105
Source: http://www.ubnt.com/products/

42. Ubiquiti Videos
“Ham Radio HSMM Using Ubiquiti Equipment”
Mark Rodgers KC8GRQ
http://youtu.be/zRmOpFtIrwE
http://youtu.be/V94Afsfv8-E

43. NanoStation M2 (11.2dBi)
Source: http://www.ubnt.com/products/

44. NanoStation Loco M2 (8.5dBi)
Source: http://www.ubnt.com/products/

45. AirGrid M2 HP (20 dBi)
Source: http://www.ubnt.com/products/

46. PoE (Power Over Ethernet)
¤ Most Ubiquiti devices come with 24v PoE adapters
¤ Consider voltage drop over distance
Source: http://www.ubnt.com/accessories/poe-adapters/

47. PoE (Power Over Ethernet)
¤ Ubiquiti devices will also operate on 12v (10.5v min) so
you can use solar / battery if desired (note…keep CAT 5
distance shorter to prevent excessive voltage drop)
¤ Be sure to confirm your passive POE injector uses +4/5
and -7/8 on the CAT 5 cable
Source: http://www.amazon.com/Passive-injector-Power-over-Ethernet/dp/B00EBCGJVW/

48. Part 2 – BBHN Firmware
Selection, Installing, & Configuration

49. Software Overview
¤ BBHN (broadband hamnet) is a modified version of
OpenWRT designed to run as an OS on embedded devices
¤ Software version matters – not currently backwards
compatible
¤ Once your router has the new firmware, it will no longer
function as a “wifi hotspot”
¤ Your computer must plug directly into the router (via
ethernet) or another unmodified wifi router should be used
as an access point
¤ Your connected computer will use a web browser to
configure the BBHN software

50. Download the Right Software
¤ Go to http://www.broadband-hamnet.org/software-download.html
¤ Choose the appropriate
version of software for your
router and situation and be
sure to read any updates
on the home page

51. Installation / Config Instructions
¤ Three good options for direction and support:
1. BBHN Wesbite 2. Search BBHN / Router 3. YouTube Videos
http://bit.ly/1Ak3S3r
http://bit.ly/1E6e6B9 http://youtu.be/pryc8jIl6Xo

52. Antenna Placement
Understanding the Fresnel Zone

53. Line of Sight
“Microwaves can
go 15 miles or
through one tree”

54. Line of Sight: Fresnel Zone
¤ Microwaves aren’t really a narrow beam so much as they
are an ellipse.
¤ Elliptical zone between transmit / receive points is called
the fresnel zone.
¤ Image Source: http://www.tp-link.com/en/support/calculator/#1

55. Line of Sight: Fresnel Zone
¤ Distance (and path obstacles) will influence the required
height needed for optimal transmission.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresnel_zone

56. Line of Sight: Fresnel Zone
¤ As a rule of thumb, the typical
maximum obstruction allowable
in the Fresnel zone is 40%, but
the recommended obstruction
is 20% or less.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresnel_zone

57. Part 4 – Operating with BBHN
Application Software & Usage Scenarios

58. Potential BBHN Usage Scenarios
ARES Tinkering
1. Emergency Site Network
2. Bridging Internet Connectivity
3. Video Monitoring / GPS / Drone
1. Remote Rig Control
2. Repeater Linking / Bridging
3. Local Club Network

59. Potential BBHN Usage Scenarios
ARES
1. Emergency Site Network
2. Bridging Internet Connectivity
3. Video Monitoring / GPS / Drone

60. 1: Emergency Site Network
Traditional Approach
• Paper files
• Slow data (if at all)
• HT Voice
Today’s World
• Microsoft Office / File Sharing
• VOIP & Videoconferencing
• Social Media, Chatting, etc.

61. 1: Emergency Site Network
¤ A variety of BBHN enabled equipment can be used to
link various sites together to create a closed high speed
network that can handle a full suite of data applications
20km
Point to Point
Site A
Site B
Extended
Impacted zone with disrupted
communications / power
Site B

62. 2: Bridging Internet Connectivity
¤ Times have changed with internet access and social
media becoming critical communications tools during
emergencies:
MESH Topology
Internet

63. Online – First Stop for Information
¤ Whenever a situation arises, the internet is the first
stop for critical information:

64. Google Crisis

65. Google Public Alerts

66. Google Person Finder

67. Twitter Alerts

68. Facebook Safety Check

69. 2: Bridging Internet Connectivity
¤ BBHN could be used to provide MESH nodes with internet
access from “beyond the edge” (although there may be
some regulatory considerations to be aware of)
20km
Point to Point
Site A
Site B
Extended
Site B
Impacted zone with disrupted communications / power
Normal Zone
Internet

70. 3: Video Survey of Damage
¤ What if a drone with a live video feed could be used to
survey and assess damaged / inaccessible areas?
Source: http://s.imwx.com/common/articles/images/ice-storm-springdale-patpie_650x366.jpg

71. 3: Video Survey of Damage
¤ What if a drone with live video feed could be used to
Realtime video
or file upload
Site A
survey and assess damaged / inaccessible areas?
Impacted zone with disrupted
communications / power
Site B
Site C
Video
From
Drone

72. Potential BBHN Usage Scenarios
Tinkering
1. Remote Rig Control
2. Repeater Linking / Bridging
3. Local Club Network

73. 1: Remote Rig Control
Common Challenges
¤ Noise Level
¤ Neighbors
¤ Antenna Height
¤ Property Aesthetics
¤ Etc.

74. 1: Remote Rig Control
¤ Opportunity to find superior antenna space at a more
remote location without DSL / cable internet access
20km Point to Point
(or link through multiple nodes)
Site B
Photo: http://www.dr1a.com/media/station/towers/DR1A_Tower4_2010.jpg

75. 2: Repeater Linking / Bridging
Common Challenges
¤ Service costs of
Internet / phone
¤ Physical access
limitations
¤ Etc.
Photo: http://www.soara.org/dstar/repeater_pics/dstar-photos.html

76. 2: Repeater Linking / Bridging
¤ If cost or physical access issues are a concern, BBHN
could be used to link sites or layer in internet access
20km Point to Point
(or link through multiple nodes)
Internet
Site B
Photo: http://www.soara.org/dstar/repeater_pics/dstar-photos.html

77. 3: Local Club Network(s)
Opportunity
¤ Organic growth and
critical mass can help
overcome line of sight
issues and make less
powerful equipment
more effective

78. 3: Local Club Network(s)
Green active Blue and “F” dots future Red not likely

79. Thank You
www.va3bco.com @VA3BCO