March 16, 2009 07:59 AM Eastern Daylight Time

New MeshDynamics Edge Nodes Deliver Third Generation Benefits at Lower Cost

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MeshDynamics, the leader in Third Generation wireless mesh networking for the outdoor enterprise, today announced three new software packages designed to turn off-the-shelf hardware into powerful 802.11 WiFi edge nodes. These new packages leverage the company's patented and patent-pending networking algorithms but offer smaller, lower cost, and lower power requirement options at the edge of the network.

The three new Edge Node software packages extend the innovations of MeshDynamics MD4000 family of wireless mesh nodes. All three are designed to participate in company's unique distributed topology and channel selection technology as well as allowing for centralized management of the entire network. These capabilities go far beyond traditional Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) features.

Three software packages are available and being announced now, with others in development for future release. The three current packages include Standard Edge Node, Mobile Edge Node, and Hybrid Edge Node software. These are delivered as software licenses for use with off-the-shelf Bullet™ and NanoStation™ hardware provided by Ubiquiti Networks, Inc.

All three software packages make use of unique software technologies that allow the single physical radio present in these hardware platforms to operate as multiple logical radios. This delivers the networking intelligence of the MD4000 wireless mesh nodes at the edge of the network, where high bandwidth performance is not as critical, at a lower cost.

Standard Edge Nodes Offer Cost-Effective Connections at the Perimeter

The Standard Edge Node (SEN) package operates on Ubiquiti Bullet™ and NanoStation™ hardware platforms, providing cost-effective nodes at the edge of an MD4000 multi-radio wireless mesh network that participate fully in the network topology and network management functions of the MeshDynamics modular framework. Unlike traditional CPEs, the Standard Edge Nodes are able to adapt and avoid interference, insuring reliable connections for applications such as video surveillance, WISP subscriber links, automated meter reading, and other Ethernet-connected services.

Mobile Edge Nodes Power Mobile Vehicles and Individuals

Mobile environments often demand fixed channel structures because of the limitations of First- and second-Generation wireless mesh technologies. MeshDynamics' Mobile Edge Node (MEN) software package creates multiple logical radios on one physical radio to deliver full mesh networking functionality for industrial vehicles and individuals moving at low to moderate speeds. Each MEN unit maintains its connection to the rest of the MeshDynamics network, moving transparently to new connections as necessary as the MEN or the rest of the network is in motion. The MEN software license package is delivered on the Ubiquiti Bullet™ hardware platform due to the need for an omnidirectional antenna in the mobile environment.

Hybrid Edge Node Delivers Maximum Flexibility in Extended Networks

MeshDynamics' Hybrid Edge Node (HEN) software package combines all the features of the Mobile edge Node with the additional sophistication of hybrid networking that allows individuals to become their own backbone in extended situations. As an example, first responders fanning out at a disaster scene may soon move too far from a fixed MD4000 node. Hybrid Edge Nodes can "hop" from node to node in a "string of pearls" to extend the network connection far beyond the range of any single node.

Hybrid Edge Node units fully support MeshDynamics Persistent 3rd Generation Mesh (P3M) capabilities to allow clusters of nodes to separate from the main network while remaining in communication with one another. As individuals carrying these nodes return closer to the MD4000 node, the Hybrid Edge Nodes automatically rejoin the main network. The HEN software license package is typically delivered on the Ubiquiti Bullet™ hardware platform due to the need for an omnidirectional antenna in the mobile environment.

Francis daCosta, Founder and CTO of MeshDynamics, explained the new technology as an extension of MeshDynamics' core strengths. "Third-generation mesh technology has long been recognized as the best choice for outdoor enterprise mesh networks that must deliver high performance for real-time requirements like video and voice. Now we can extend these benefits cost effectively to the edge of the MD4000 network through software licenses running on off-the-shelf hardware."

Pricing and Availability

Software license list prices are: Standard Edge Node $250 per unit; Mobile Edge Node $450 per unit; Hybrid Edge Node $900 per unit. Hardware is not included and may be purchased separately from Ubiquiti Networks, Inc. or through qualified Resellers. Resellers may purchase these software packages in license packs of 100 nodes each. Contact MeshDynamics for full details of hardware flashing and licensing mechanics. End users may contact MeshDynamics for information on participating resellers.

About MeshDynamics, Inc.

MeshDynamics delivers one of the only third-generation wireless mesh networking solutions for high-performance outdoor data, voice, and video networking. Based on sophisticated dynamic channel-agile networking algorithms, MeshDynamics' MD4000 family of Structured Mesh™ wireless nodes deliver very low-latency and low-jitter performance, even over multi-hop topologies where many earlier generation wireless mesh networking products fail. MeshDynamics' products are in use worldwide in mining and industrial, homeland security/defense, transportation, and metro/municipal network applications. MeshDynamics, Inc. is privately held and headquartered in Santa Clara, CA. More information at: www.meshdynamics.com