Wireless mesh network

A wireless network whose nodes relay data for one another, letting traffic travel across multiple paths without depending on a single central access point.

Mesh routing: The selection of paths through a network of interconnected nodes. Mesh nodes choose routes across multiple wireless links to deliver packets.
Network topology: The arrangement of connections among the nodes of a network. A mesh topology provides alternate connections rather than a single star-shaped path.
Community wireless network: A locally organized network that provides shared connectivity to a community. Mesh links can extend connectivity across neighborhoods without wiring every location.
Star network: A network topology in which devices connect through one central node. Unlike a mesh, a star depends on its central node for communication between spokes.
Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector: A reactive routing protocol that discovers routes when nodes need to send data. AODV is one way a wireless mesh can find routes without maintaining every path continuously.
Wireless access point: A device that connects wireless clients to a wired network or other network infrastructure. A traditional access point is a central attachment point; mesh nodes can relay beyond one.
Wireless sensor network: A network of spatially distributed sensor devices that collect and exchange measurements. Sensor nodes can relay readings through a mesh when direct communication is impractical.
Wireless repeater: A device that retransmits a wireless signal to extend coverage. A repeater extends a signal but does not necessarily route traffic across multiple paths.
Optimized Link State Routing: A proactive routing protocol that uses selected relay nodes to distribute link-state information. OLSR maintains routes through periodic updates and reduces broadcasts with multipoint relays.
IEEE 802.11s: An IEEE amendment defining mesh networking for wireless local area networks. It standardizes mesh operation among compatible Wi-Fi devices.

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