Timz MESH Info Page
Thanks to George KC3AAD, who has a similar "What I've Learned So Far" list in a Mesh presentation he published online. I thought it fantastic that he shared his knowledge and experience in Mesh, which aids all hams who are interested in Mesh.
We've all read info on Mesh, but real operational knowledge comes into play once we gain hands-on experience. I've been heavy into Ham Radio Mesh for a few years now, under the guidance of Bill WA8APB.
What I've Learned So Far
- 2.4ghz is a good performer when operated on channel -2 (minus two... 2.397ghz) @ 10mhz bandwith; and this places operation solely and completely within the ham-only region of the 2.4 band; away from consumer wifi interference.
- A successful way to distribute Mesh into a neighborhood is with a 2.4 omni (pic) on the above mentioned channel & bandwidth setting.
- These higher profile "neighborhood-flooding" 2.4 nodes always seem to end up as dual node installations; a 2.4 omni (mainly providing Mesh for the end users), ethernet connected to a 5.8 directional - thus linking this 2.4 omni into your area-wide Mesh grid.
- Signal blockage - even if just into the fresnel region of a signal path - is bad.
- The Ubiquiti NanoStation (pic) is a hard working little champion; a very capable performer using it's own internal antenna... especially for the end user who is experiencing poor data performance due to signal path issues. There is a lower profile version, called the "LOCO", I have no experience with it.
- Dual polarization; while at its best when both connected nodes have it, also helps greatly if only at one end. Especially when tree limbs and leaves are intruding into the signal path. The NanoStation (which is dual polarized) seems to be the one Ubiquiti model that works best when communicating to an omni.
- During the early days of Mesh, the Linksys was quite a wonderful piece of equipment... and served well at that time. But its 15 year old technology has become a hindrance. If you like the form factor of the Linksys, and it's switched ports... the
Ubiquiti AirRouter HP (the " HP" is important here) is a direct replacement (pic) for the Linksys. Not only does the AirRouter HP allow for operation on the 2.4 "minus" channels, it also allows ethernet linking (DTD - Direct Connect) to other nodes, and has 5 times the output power as the Linksys. And yes, the AirRouter HP can operate on 12vdc; I've personally tested it down to 10.5v- Obviously the EmComm community has an interest in Mesh; but Mesh also attracts a lot of Ham hobbiests as well.
Treat EmComm meshies and hobbiest meshies with equal importance; they both are integral parts of a successful Mesh implementation.- Looking at Mesh Status screens and S/N numbers gets old... quickly. Add VoIP telephones (recommended: Grandstream GXP1630 for client/tactical nodes, and the GXV3240 for main stations and centers), IP cams, file servers to increase the curiousity and fun.
- When placing a Ubiquiti Bullet in a difficult-to-gain-access location, buy the "Titanium" version (pic). It is better sealed against moisture intrusion, and the Titanium model comes with a POE.
- When attempting to first build a Mesh grid in your area, you will naturally seek good installation spots. But, you will find that gaining permission to install at these "dream" locations (city/county water tanks & antenna towers, - commercial buildings) is a very
s-l-o-w process. Home "ham friendly" towers should never be overlooked; even if they are not in the most ideal location at that moment. We were given access to a local ham's 100' tower... but this ham has no interest in Mesh himself; though he was eager to help with the overall hobby.- When purchasing Ubiquiti equipment, keep an eye on the "XM" and "XW" differences; and the 5.5 vs 5.6 AirOS issues. When in doubt, phone/email someone, or visit the AREDN site for info:
http://www.aredn.org/content/supported-platform-matrix
A lot of this is geography (terrain) specific, it may be somewhat different in your location; your mileage may vary.
If you're just starting Mesh in your area... I can't stress enough - always be on the lookout for ham friendly towers to install nodes on. DO NOT hold-off. on a ham tower location... while waiting for one of your "dream locations" to be made available; sometimes it takes years. While you are persuing a dream location, also eagerly search-out ham towers and see if the ham will help out.
if you would like to discuss these points in greater detail, please email me. If I've errored on something... let me know !!! One thing about Ham Radio Mesh... I learn something new every day, and I relearn something every day (that I had previously misunderstood).
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