MeshConnex is a mesh networking technology that is comparable to the 802.11s mesh networking specification. MeshConnex meshing uses a hybrid proactive/on-demand path selection protocol, similar to Ad hoc On Demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing protocols. This allows it to form efficient paths using multiple attachment points to a distribution WAN, or form purely ad hoc peer-to-peer mesh networks in the absence of a WAN. Each device in the MeshConnex mesh proactively manages its own path to the distribution WAN, but can also form peer-to-peer paths on demand to improve forwarding efficiency. MeshConnex is not compatible with MiNT-based meshing, though the two technologies can be enabled simultaneously in certain circumstances.
MeshConnex is designed for large-scale, high-mobility outdoor mesh deployments. MeshConnex continually gathers data from beacons and transmission attempts to estimate the efficiency and throughput of each MP-to-MP link. MeshConnex uses this data to dynamically form and continually maintain paths for forwarding network frames.
In MeshConnex systems, a mesh point (MP) is a virtual mesh networking instance on a device, similar to a WLAN AP. On each device, up to 4 MPs can be created and 2 can be created per radio. MPs can be configured to use one or both radios in the device. If the MP is configured to use both radios, the path selection protocols will continually select the best radio to reach each destination. Each MP participates in a single Mesh Network, defined by the MeshID. The MeshID is typically a descriptive network name, similar to the SSID of a WLAN. All MPs configured to use the same MeshID attempt to form a mesh and interoperate. The MeshID allows overlapping mesh networks to discriminate and disregard MPs belonging to different networks.
Note
WiNG 7.1.X release does not support MeshConnex on AP3xx, AP4xx, and AP5xx model access points. This feature will be supported in future releases.