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Linux-based Mesh Router Aims at VoIP and Video

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the thats-a-lotta-fancy-networking dept.

An anonymous reader writes "A startup in Santa Clara, Calif. is shipping a Linux-based mesh router aimed at VoIP and video. The Mesh Dynamics Module uses multiple radios -- along with custom real-time Linux extensions -- to create a duplexing backhaul network said to improve bandwidth more than 64 times over conventional mesh technology. Normal, single-radio access points function in a half-duplex manner, a limitation that reduces bandwidth by 50 percent for each hop in the mesh. Mesh Dynamics is attempting to solve this problem by dedicating separate radios to upstream and downstream traffic of a 'backhaul' network that relays traffic between mesh nodes, thus simulating full-duplex operation."

3 of 42 comments (clear)

  1. Re:No simulation... by drwho · · Score: 4, Insightful

    To do VOIP properly, should shouldn'act ack at all -- its more important that packets arrive on time than a small percentage get dropped.

    In general, though, the ideas behind ax.25 are good, and maybe should be applied to other aspects of mesh networks.

    if the language sounds clumsy, please excuse me, it's sunday morning and I haven't had my coffee yet!

    BTW, I am working on adapting MIT roofnet mesh software/protocol to doing VOIP, we have a project with wind-powered nodes. Not to production yet, not even close. But if you're interested drop me some mail.

  2. GPL violation? by Husgaard · · Score: 2, Insightful
    Asked how the kernel extension is licensed, Dacosta said, "We'd be happy to provide it to anyone once we get it working, although I'd question its value without a full development environment, which we probably will not offer."

    So according to the manufacturer, this stuff does not work...

    The GPL clearly states that when code derived from GPL code or linked with GPL code is distributed, this code must be released under a GPL license. There is no exception for non-working code.

    It looks to me like the manufacturer isn't willing to release their code under the GPL license.

    1. Re:GPL violation? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Are they distributing it right now in non-working stage? If not, they're under no obligation to release the code.