In an environment where everybody wants everything, and everybody, connected via the Internet of Things (IoT), and wirelessly so, a topology is necessary to make that possible, reliable, and affordable. There are several ways the world can be connected ranging from simple and cheap to complex and prohibitively expensive. One technique that has proven to be quite effective while meeting the cost-effective requirement is wireless mesh networking.
Mesh networks rely on interconnected nodes that independently communicate with one another. They transmit data back and forth and not one node has prominence in any transmission, meaning every node is working in the transfer of information. This ensures a certain degree of reliability.
These networks have the ability to configure themselves autonomously, thereby eliminating some installation costs. Also, auto configuration abilities compensate for the advent of a node failure. The ability to efficiently distribute workloads is a proactive form of automatic maintenance, reducing service costs.
Mesh networks can also be hardwired, providing both extended reliability and security. For example, a faulty cable will affect only the nodes attached to it. Naturally, in a wired mesh, more nodes equal the need for more cables, and that translates into higher costs across the board. But that does not eliminate wired as an option. There are certain situations where a wired mesh is the best, or even the only way to go.
Mesh networking is quickly becoming the topology of choice in the world of the IoT. So how can you get onboard with mesh technology in a way that will make your job and life much easier? Well, there’s an answer to that question.
At Sensors Expo Midwest 2018 in Rosemont, IL on Tuesday October 16, 2018, from 4:00 pm to 4:50 pm in Theater 2, you can attend the educational session titled, “Mesh Networking: The Next Frontier for Sensors and the IoT” in Theater 2. Jim Katsandres, Director of Developer Programs at the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, will take you through the basics of mesh networking with practical examples and solutions.
The session will cover several issues and answer many questions. For example, as connected sensor solutions and sensor networks grow and become more impactful across IoT vertical markets, more developers are asking, “What’s the right wireless connectivity model for my IoT solution”?
The session will give developers an in-depth look at the three major connectivity models that are driving sensor deployments in the IoT, including in emerging markets such as smart buildings, homes, industries, and cities. It provides an under-the-hood look at the latest connectivity model, Bluetooth mesh networking, which allows for networks of tens, hundreds or thousands of wireless devices to reliably and securely communicate. Attendees will walk away knowing more about the many ways they can use Bluetooth technology to generate new product offerings and revenue streams for their organizations.
Presenter Jim Katsandres leads Developer Relations activities at the Bluetooth SIG. His international team works to provide developers the information and resources they need to create the next generation of Bluetooth enabled products and services. Katsandres has been in the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud, and device space for over 25 years working within platform technology, software as a service, embedded original equipment manufacturer, system integrator, independent software vendor, and consulting organizations. Prior to working at the Bluetooth SIG, Katsandres served in senior technology and business positions at Microsoft, ARM, Buddy Platform, BSQUARE, Honeywell, GE Grid, and AMTEC.
Now, if you are ready to meld with mesh networking, you need to do that very simple two-step dance:
- Register for Sensors Midwest 2018.
- Attend the “Mesh Networking: The Next Frontier for Sensors and the IoT” session, Tuesday October 16, 2018, from 4:00 pm to 4:50 pm in Theater 2
Also, checkout the conference schedule for related sessions and the exhibitor lineup for presentations of the latest sensors and sensor-related products plus a plethora of other technologies.
