March 4th, 2008
Interesting report on OLPC mesh networking
Computerworld Australia is featuring a discussion of the mesh networking in use on OLPC’s XO laptop. In particular, one of the key developers and testers of the technology provides insight into its functionality, limitations, and innovative ways to extend its capabilities.
While ZDNet’s George Ou has pointed out how low-cost WiFi access points provide more robust connectivity, the article does a nice job of showing how mesh networking can work in very rural settings. George Ou’s article on Mongolia’s problems with mesh is also well worth reading, but I’d appreciate feedback from anyone who has had direct experience with mesh below.
In short,
Mesh networking increases the range of an access point. It is a type of wireless networking that uses redundant and distributed nodes to increase the reliability and range of the network. It is used to route information between OLPC XOs by turning the laptop and the child carrying it into the network infrastructure.”
There’s the theory. How does it work in practice? Let us know.
Follow Chris Dawson on Twitter! Christopher Dawson is the technology director for the Athol-Royalston School District in northern Massachusetts and a member of the Internet Press Guild. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations, but always keep in mind that the opinions expressed here are his own and not those of his daytime employer, even if he talks incessantly about his day job.
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