MeshNetworks Receives Experimental License from FCC Enabling Demonstration of Its Mobile Broadband Network Technology
Maitland, FL. – January 9, 2002 – MeshNetworks, Inc. today announced that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted it an experimental license for demonstrations nationally in both the 2.4 GHz and 5.7 GHz bands. The FCC’s action enables MeshNetworks to conduct large-scale demonstrations of its mobile ad hoc peer-to-peer broadband technology.
MeshNetworks can demonstrate both fixed and mobile applications in Orlando/Maitland, FL., Washington, D.C., Denver/Boulder, Colo. and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. The license also grants MeshNetworks the ability to simultaneously demonstrate small-scale networks in five different locations anywhere in the United States. These additional networks will complement the first and only mobile broadband mesh network, which has been operating continuously since July 2001 in Maitland, FL.
“With the FCC's experimental license grant, MeshNetworks is now able to take the next step and demonstrate our mobile broadband peer-to-peer network technology’s performance in a wider range of applications,” said Masood Garahi, Chairman and CEO of MeshNetworks. “Through these demonstrations, MeshNetworks will display the scalability and reliability required for nationwide deployment.”
MeshNetworks’ mobile broadband network technology leverages industry standard Internet Protocol (IP), 802.11 and peer-to-peer networking to offer high-speed data rates. The self-forming and self-healing aspects of the network also result in low deployment and operational costs, as well as high spectral efficiency. The capability of the technology to multi-hop and offer non-line-of-sight broadband connectivity will further enhance the performance of the system. MeshNetworks’ PC card is the ideal solution to provide these wireless capabilities for portable battery-powered devices such as laptops, PDAs, Tablet PC’s and handheld multimedia devices. Its ability to support highly mobile users with broadband connectivity makes it well suited for telematics, mobile wide-area networks, 802.11 enhancements, public safety, and last mile access.
“MeshNetworks’ technology can be deployed in any network operating in any frequency band,” says Peter Stanforth, CTO of MeshNetworks. “We also anticipate testing of our mesh networking technology in our future customers’ existing spectrum allocations.”
The company will be demonstrating its breakthrough technology and products at the CTIA trade show (Booth #5585) in Orlando, FL. from March 18 through March 20, 2002.
About MeshNetworks, Inc.
MeshNetworks has developed a revolutionary mobile broadband network architecture based on patented ad hoc peer-to-peer (p2p) networking technology. The result is a self-forming, self-healing wireless mesh where mobile devices become the network. MeshNetwork’s Multi-Hop™ network technology offers non-line-of-sight broadband connectivity, while eliminating the need for towers and extensive system design. Industry standard Internet Protocol (IP) support lets existing applications and devices “go mobile” without any changes or additional development. MeshNetworks can address the needs of both mobile and fixed wireless broadband applications. MeshNetworks is making its breakthrough technology available through licensing, chipsets and turnkey network products. MeshNetworks employs nearly 100 professionals, including top authorities on ad hoc peer-to-peer networking. A demonstration network is deployed in Maitland, Florida, near the Company’s headquarters. MeshNetworks is a venture-backed startup, whose investors include: Apax Partners, BancBoston Ventures, Inc., ITT Industries, Redwood Ventures, and 3Com Ventures. More information can be found at www.meshnetworks.com.
