【1981 Archives】

Source：Steady Information Network Editor：Tech Time：2025-06-26 16:20:31

981 Archivesrepeal of Obama-era net neutrality laws has folks looking for ways to connect to the internet other than relying on the nation's powerful service providers.

One of these options is "mesh networks."

Mesh networks already exist, but in different forms. Here, we'll shed light on the two types of mesh networks, a connectivity option that is little-used in most home environments. Interest in mesh networks has been growing since the Federal Communications Commission voted to repeal net neutrality.

First, what's a mesh network?

When you google search for "mesh networks," the results will be options to buy some curiously shaped WiFi pods from a variety of companies. They come in all shapes and sizes: cylindrical, hexagonal, and flat squares.

This is the first type of mesh network, which you can buy for your house. Placing these pods around a home or office can boost WiFi service everywhere -- so there are no dead spots.

SEE ALSO: The net neutrality vote, explained

And this home set-up provides a good, tangible idea for the greater concept of mesh networks:

When learning about mesh networks, you'll come across the word "node." Mesh networks are an array of nodes that communicate with one another. The word "node" is an unhelpful piece of jargon, but it simply means a connection point.

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Here, each WiFi pod serves as a connection point, which spreads the signal from one pod to the next (a meshof nodes). It can be helpful to think of these nodes like the systems of telecommunication satellites currently orbiting above Earth, strategically spaced apart to send and receive signals all around the globe.

This spreading signal is the crucial difference between mesh networks and the traditional WiFi that exists in most home environments. Traditional networks use a single router (those devices with little antennae on top) to spread a WiFi signal. But if you're too far from a router, the connection might not reach you.

In contrast, WiFi mesh networks -- such as Google's WiFi pods -- are meant to be placed around the home, on top of nightstands and furniture, to relay the WiFi from your modem/head node.

How are people using mesh networks as "another way" to get online?

This is the second way mesh networks can be used. It's a way to get internet without relying upon major internet service providers, or ISPs, like Verizon and Comcast to connect you through their networks.

Some folks are interested in this option because -- with the repeal of net neutrality rules -- telecoms can now potentially favor certain types of data or information, opening a pandora's box of ways for corporations to begin manipulating how you use the internet.

In reaction, some private citizens are taking it upon themselves to offer "community-owned networks." These certainly aren't available everywhere, but could very well become more common.

An existing example -- with growing community numbers -- is NYC Mesh, in New York City. The network has it's own "nodes" spread around the city. This network does not rely upon the nation's dominant internet service providers for internet, but rents data from a local data center (such as in downtown Manhattan) and then uses rooftop antennas (the nodes) to spread internet around.

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This data, notes NYC Mesh, is not monitored nor controlled by any ISP.

Are there any big, nation-wide mesh networks anywhere?

Yes, in Spain. This network is called Guifi. According to NYC Mesh, this network "covers large parts of the country."

This is achieved by having "a backbone of many long-distance WiFi connections and even their own community fiber cables.

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Topics Net Neutrality

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【1981 Archives】

First, what's a mesh network?

How are people using mesh networks as "another way" to get online?

Are there any big, nation-wide mesh networks anywhere?

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