In a Mesh network topology all the terminals connected to the network also act as a repeater and relay information to other users in the network. Mesh networks have been developed for a number of years for military purposes. Recently we can see signs for commercial use of the concept, especially in the Wi-Fi Mesh networks. A number of different applications can use Mesh networks. Ofcom has listed a number of applications in a recent report; however, these are only some examples:
- Military, emergency and disaster relief activities which cannot depend on infrastructure.
- Sensor networks
- Hotspot extension of urban public wireless access
- Rural Community Networks Lecture hall or convention hall networks
- Integrating PAN (Personal Area Networks) devices (for example PDA phones) into the WAN
- Home networks