WILI MESH is a secure, QoS capable, portable Linux
based OSI layer 2 wireless mesh networking software platform which targets
enterprise, campus, WISP networks covering significant areas with 802.11
wireless access. WILI MESH is capable to function on numerous embedded
hardware platforms with single or multiple Atheros chipset based radio
modules as well as ordinary PCs.
Figure 1: WILI MESH network
There are two types of mesh network elements: Mesh Node and Mesh Gateway.
Mesh Node provides data transport, monitoring and AP functionality for connecting regular
802.11 wireless clients to the network. Mesh node connected to wired backbone will
function as Mesh Gateway. Beside Node functionality Mesh Gateway can act as bridge,
router, firewall and access controller.
Mesh Node software is logically subdivided into components: Mesh Set and Service
Set. Mesh Set selects optimal path to the gateway and provides mesh backhaul connectivity.
Service Set is dedicated to service provisioning for 802.11 clients (notebook computers,
PDAs, Wi-Fi phone sets, etc.). It covers the functionality of comprehensive high grade
802.11 access point including MBSSID (Virtual APs) with individual security settings.
Mesh Set and Service Set can coexist on the single radio interface for cost
effectiveness, although more radio interfaces are recommended for better overall
wireless mesh network performance and implementation of specific network topologies.
Dedicated radio interfaces used for Wireless Mesh Node Uplink, Downlink and Service
Set will form optimal hardware configuration.
WILIBOX mesh network control protocol is based on extensions to IEEE
802.11 protocol for signaling, mesh path selection and topology change
detection. WILI MESH software will comply to IEEE 802.11s wireless mesh
protocol once it is approved.
WILIBOX mesh transport layer based on OSI layer 2 bridging is transparent for all
IP and non IP protocols and brings no overhead to wireless data stream.
Figure 2: WILI MESH architecture
Traffic between client and Mesh Node and between Nodes can be secured by 802.11i
(WPA2) supporting pre-shared and dynamic key modes and 802.1x authentication.
802.1Q and 802.1P tags are preserved in intra-mesh transport. IEEE 802.11e
standard implementation assures QoS between network elements.
Integral part of WILI MESH software suite is WILI Scout which shows graphical
representation of network topology and status.
Full network management and monitoring functionality is provided by separate WILIBOX
Remote Configuration Management System (RCMS).
More about RCMS.
Figure 3: WILI Scout
WILI MESH will be customized according to OEM customer requirements and can be
ported on any hardware based on supported CPU and wireless interfaces.
Free fully functional PC based WILI MESH software demo is available for evaluation.
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