Techbridge International and Rajant Wire mesh networking. Rajant IP wireless mesh networking | Page 13

Load Balancing
BreadCrumb® models currently hold up to four radios – 900 MHz,

BreadCrumb® devices actively use multiple

2.4 GHz, 4.9 GHz, and 5.8 GHz – in a variety of combinations.

radios to perform multiple functions at the

However, there is the potential to create BreadCrumb®
configurations that support more radios with additional frequencies

same time. This capability is crucial, and runs

as needed. Again, unique to Rajant is the fact that BreadCrumb

counter to other mesh networking strategies.

®

nodes make use of all installed radios for multiple functions at the
same time. This capability is crucial, and runs counter to other mesh
networking strategies.
Most multi-radio network solutions separate traffic into two types:

any one of multiple radio frequencies for conducting local-access

client access traffic – communication between access points and

traffic and backhaul traffic. And if there is interference on any one

Wi-Fi clients (mobile equipment, laptops, video cameras, VoIP

frequency, a Rajant BreadCrumb® node will automatically switch

phones); and backhaul traffic, which connects access points

to another. This feature ensures users maintain critical access to

over long distances. The theory is that if at least two radios are

communications applications in the most challenging environments.

performing the “backhaul” function on two different channels, then

In Figure 1, node “C” for example would always use the fastest link

all traffic can be smoothly transferred from node to node without

available at any given time in communicating to the network, rather

the need for any retransmission.

than collecting data from one node first and then turning it around and

Rajant BreadCrumbs®, however, are designed differently. Because

retransmitting it to the other. By focusing on creating no single point of

the radios in BreadCrumb® devices are capable of simultaneously

failure, Rajant networks are uniquely capable of balancing traffic loads

sending and receiving on different frequencies, Rajant delivers

so that users get the maximum amount of throughput at all times.

even greater network availability. Only Rajant has the ability to use

Aggregator
Gateway

C

A

network

B

Figure 1. Multi-Frequency Mesh Network

5

Portable Wireless Mesh Networks: Competitive Differentiation

D