MiniMesh

MiniMesh is a fully-functional, end to end wireless broadband service. It is suitable for a wide range of uses from a hotspot to a large metropolitan or enterprise deployment.

MiniMesh is ideal for 3G offloading from mobile networks. With much of the increase in network data traffic due to the popularity of smartphones such as iPhones that are capable of both 3G and Wi-Fi access, MiniMesh-based networks are an ideal method of reducing drain on network capacity while ensuring a good user experience.

The low power hardware unit is available in both indoor and outdoor models, allowing indoor Wi-Fi networks to extend outdoors seamlessly. These units are rapidly installed, as they are truly plug-and-play: once connected to power they will find the nearest route to the internet and report to the network management server.

The back office management servers provide full, end to end control over the network and over the service delivered to end users, both in terms of technical parameters (e.g., bandwidth and download limits) and commercial models (such as price packages and walled garden sites.)

Two-way communication with the master server also means that the real-time status of each node can be determined individually. The server can determine whether a node has 'checked in' within the last few minutes; email and SMS alerts can be set up to notify responsible parties if important nodes drop offline. A bandwidth speed test can also be instigated to determine the exact level of connectivity that the node is experiencing.

Applications

MiniMesh supports a wide variety of applications, where internet connectivity needs to be created or extended. For example:

• creating a Wi-Fi hotspot in a retail outlet
• temporary or semi-permanent installations for indoor or outdoor events
• provision of internet access in remote areas, such as marinas
• extension of digital access to disadvantaged social groups
• constructing a local area network where cabling would cause disruption or major expense.

Key benefits

• Inexpensive, plug-and-play hardware design allows wireless coverage to be deployed inexpensively and without specialist technical resource
• The flexible design means the system is compatible with a variety of technical infrastructure models, such as backhaul arrangements and remotely hosted servers
• Remote management and firmware upgrades allow the system to grow and evolve with the Customer's needs without major re-engineering
• inexpensive to operate, because of the rich management information which is made available centrally
• supports a range of commercial models (free / chargeable / advertising-funded), as specified by the Customer
• supports multiple, independently configured SSIDs on a single device, allowing public services to co-exist with operational processes on the same network