In the dynamic world of robotics and autonomous operations, the requirements for mesh network throughput metrics have evolved dramatically. Initially, the modest demands for control applications—simple commands like “go left” or “go right”—required only a trickle of data, measured in mere kilobytes per second.
However, as technology has advanced, so too have the connectivity needs. For example, use cases involving video streaming have catapulted these requirements to 10 Mbit/s and beyond.
The evolution of throughput needs and Industry 4.0 connectivity
Gone are the days when low bandwidth sufficed. Today, the leap from kilobytes to megabits represents a technical challenge and a fundamental change in how moving machines operate. Integrating digital and physical systems, particularly in Industry 4.0, demands a new breed of network solutions.
Traditional connectivity solutions like enterprise WiFi, while adequate for applications such as offices, web browsing, and video calls, often struggle to meet the demands of Industry 4.0. While occasional interruptions in connectivity may only be a minor inconvenience during a video call or while browsing the web, in the context of Industry 4.0, such disruptions can have far more severe consequences.
In industrial settings, mobile robots and machines require seamless mobility, low latency, and adaptability to constantly evolving sites and conditions. A momentary loss of connectivity could lead to critical system failures, potentially triggering emergency shutdowns and causing substantial disruptions.
Understanding Mesh Network Throughput
The challenge of mesh network throughput is not merely about achieving high throughput from a single node but scaling this performance across multiple nodes without sacrificing time or efficiency. With Meshmerize, throughput goes up to 300 Mbit/s, robustly supporting the diverse and demanding needs of Industry 4.0 applications. This throughput capacity guarantees reliable and efficient connectivity, even in complex network configurations with numerous nodes and extensive data transfer.
It is crucial to understand that comparing Meshmerize’s throughput to traditional WiFi isn’t a straightforward one-to-one comparison. The intricacies of how mesh networks function and the specific objectives they aim to achieve require a deeper understanding.
Comparing Meshmerize mesh network throughput to traditional WiFi
When you measure Meshmerize’s throughput against traditional WiFi, it is vital to see the bigger picture. While Meshmerize offers an impressive peak throughput—about half of WiFi’s peak – this metric does not capture the essence of Meshmerize value. The first thing to notice when comparing Meshmerize to WiFi is the comprehensive suite of Meshmerize features, holistically designed to ensure robust connectivity and provide advantages that go well beyond simple data transmission rates.
Our primary objective at Meshmerize isn’t to compete with or match the data transfer rates of WiFi. Instead, we aim to provide a solution finely tuned for the unique demands of Industry 4.0 environments. In the sphere of moving robots and autonomous systems where every millisecond counts, the quality of the connection – how stable and swift it is – matters more than the quantity of data it can carry at any given moment. Scenarios such as these are far beyond the intended scope of WiFi capabilities.
| [:en]Feature[:] | [:en]Fast roaming[:] | [:en]Meshmerize - Seamless roaming[:] |
|---|---|---|
| [:en]Topology[:] | [:en]Typical hub-n-spoke wifi[:] | [:en]Dynamic mesh[:] |
| [:en]Visualization[:] | [:en] [:] | [:en] [:] |
| [:en]What is it?[:] | [:en]A marketing term from WiFi vendors for 11k, 11v, 11r[:] | [:en]A marketing term for roaming performance in Meshmerize mesh network[:] |
| [:en]Link creation[:] | [:en]Fix-very-quickly after break[:] | [:en]Make before break[:] |
| [:en]Minimal roaming downtime[:] | [:en]50ms[:] | [:en]0ms[:] |
| [:en]Intended applications[:] | [:en]Enterprise networks - phone, laptops, etc.[:] | [:en]Industrial networks - mobile robots, drones, vehicles, etc. - Especially control traffic[:] |
| [:en]Compatibility[:] | [:en]Only on devices and networks where both the access point and client hardware support the respective standards.[:] | [:en]With any device that has Meshmerize installed.[:] |
The technical edge: Multi-hop throughput
To understand the magic behind mesh networks, envision data as a traveler journeying in a series of leaps from one node to another. This process, known as “hopping,” allows data to traverse vast and complex terrains. However, each hop has the potential to reduce throughput, much like how each leg of a journey might slow a traveler if not efficiently managed.
Imagine a scenario where data needs to leap across two nodes to reach its goal. In simpler terms, that is similar to hopping from one stone to another to cross a stream. While each step (or hop) in a typical mesh network could potentially halve the data’s throughput – turning a sprint into a crawl – Meshmerize keeps the momentum going strong. Meshmerize makes sure that multi-hops result in a smooth flow of data and minimal throughput loss.
This capability is not just a technical feat. It’s a critical asset for applications that demand wide coverage and seamless connectivity. Whether it’s facilitating communication across a sprawling industrial campus or ensuring that emergency services can coordinate over extensive areas without delay, maintaining a high throughput across multiple hops is indispensable.
From drones to rovers: Meshmerize across various fields
Meshmerize excels in environments where high throughput, reliability, and low latency are critical for success. Here are some example use cases where Meshmerize is making a significant impact:
- Teleoperation for construction and agriculture
Meshmerize network enables remote control of construction machinery and agricultural equipment. It supports multiple high-quality video feeds, essential for operators to control vehicles and machinery from a distance. With requirements ranging from 30-50 Mbit/s per vehicle, our solution can accommodate the bandwidth needs of several vehicles. This capability is crucial for enhancing efficiency and safety in construction sites and agricultural fields, especially in remote areas with non-existent or spotty cellular coverage.
- Video surveillance and remote monitoring
Meshmerize also finds extensive use in video surveillance, supporting high-resolution monitoring and the seamless operation of drone swarms. This is vital for security operations, wildlife monitoring, search and rescue missions, and infrastructure inspection.
- Drone and rover networks for off-grid exploration
Meshmerize keeps mixed teams of different machines, such as rovers and drones, reliably connected. Capable of extending across square kilometers and maintaining connectivity beyond the line of sight, the network can handle 2+ MBit/s for critical data and tens of MBit/s for media streams, with an expected bandwidth of 40-45 Mbit/s up to three hops. This setup is invaluable for environmental monitoring, search and rescue operations, geological surveys, and similar applications.
Redefining mesh network throughput efficiency in autonomous systems
Capable of up to 300 Mbit/s, Meshmerize is specifically designed for the dynamic environments of moving machines and autonomous operations, focusing on reliability, low latency, and efficient multi-hop data transfer. Unlike traditional WiFi which struggles with robots and autonomous systems, Meshmerize excels in stable, swift connections for precision and optimal operations.
We invite you to discover how Meshmerize can enhance your journey towards seamless, efficient connectivity in teleoperations, video surveillance, and other high-throughput applications, offering a solution finely tuned to meet the unique demands of Industry 4.0.
Meshmerize is a startup based in Dresden, Germany that provides the ultimate mesh network software to an array of industries. The full potential of Meshmerize is yet to be seen. We would like to hear your thoughts – let us know what you think at hello@meshmerize.net
