Small Scale Mesh in SignalPro

The Mesh Module for SignalPro can support both large meshing networks (greater than 1000 widely spaced meter/nodes) and small scale mesh networks (less than 1000 widely spaced nodes). An example of this type of network would be a municipal WiFi Access or wireless data network, where each node could be located on street corner light poles and the node-to-node radio links are long enough to likely be affected by terrain, buildings and other clutter. Because of this, these types of networks require a more detailed analysis of each radio link.

Small-scale mesh networks can be thought of as having two independent RF “layers”. The first layer or “Access Layer” that communicates with the client (end user) devices is essentially a micro-cellular network with the cell sites (nodes) in the network servicing a defined geographic area where clients could be located anywhere in the area rather than at specific locations. The second RF layer of the small-scale mesh network provides a mechanism for connecting together the “Access Layer” nodes that serve the end-users with the outside world. This “Mesh Layer” may use multiple hops between nodes to connect the nodes serving the clients. The node-to-node communication layer is more like a point-to-point network and requires special study features that are provided by the Mesh Module.

You can find the Small Scale Mesh menu under Mesh Design/Analysis:

The system parameters menu is the first option to visit in Small Scale mesh. Here you will browse and point to a pre-configure channel plan template file appropriate for the system/use case. You can also point to a specific service area boundary file within this menu although it is not required, this goes for the exclusion area file as well.

If there is a need for automatic node layout/placement, small scale mesh has that capability.

Small scale mesh also has the capability to deal with Traffic loading.

Automatic Node Layout and Traffic loading are two options that are used less than the small scale mesh itself. Most customers use small scale mesh for the studies it provides. We have three different study types available in small scale mesh, node to node links, links and routing, and Gateway optimization. The Routing method drop down allows you to choose between fewest hops or an external routing algorithm.

Once this menu is set up as desired you can press Start Study to see the calculations perform and then press okay to see the map populate with those results.

For additional help with Small Scale Mesh please submit a support ticket here: https://edxwireless.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/2/group/3/create/28