Mesh networks, which let devices like smartphones act like hotspots and share their mobile connections with others, are the future of mobile, or so say reps from two companies pushing the technology.

 

CNET reports mesh networking lets users with less-than-optimal network connections automatically hop on the connections of others nearby with better links. The more people set up and connected, the better the performance for all, as each user can leverage a multitude of connections and paths through the network. While the concept of mesh networking isn’t new and has been used by military systems and utilities for a while, it is beginning to be offered to the masses in several ways, including a free app from Open Garden and new technology from Tropos that aims to provide better service to users in emerging markets. 

 

Yankee Group Research VP Brian Partridge comments

 

“Mesh networking architectures have proven to be a valuable innovation for non-public network environments such as automated meter reading and battlefield communications.  Applying the concepts to public networks for traditional mobile use cases makes sense because it takes small cell architecture concepts all the way down to the device level. While the democratizing of network coverage in theory will enhance overall customer experience, it will be a challenge to convince people to share.  Despite the lessons we all learned in kindergarten, pipe sharing isn’t a concept that will be embraced by all—especially if consumers are confused about the implications of sharing their connection.  Mesh vendors such as Tropos face an uphill climb convincing customers that sharing their connections will not result in degraded service level or worse, open them up to security or privacy intrusions. Market education will also be needed to convince ISPs that the management complexities associated with relying on human beings to deliver network coverage will be worth the hassle.”