Wireless Mesh: To Tell The Truth

On one extreme in this industry, promoters would have you believe that a wireless mesh is "All That," "the greatest thing since sliced bread." It can replace DSL and cable broadband, as well as cellular data, and even landline telephony. That position would be what I would call "a stretch." There is plenty of hyperbole out there, and the "All That" pitch should be seen for what it is, optimistic exageration to promote a new technology and solution.

On the other extreme in this industry, we find detractors who declaim wireless mesh because 1) its running on unlicensed spectrum and there's no option to overcrowding; 2) it has inherent insecurities, because it's wireless and open; 3) it's insufficiently powered to overcome noise in the RF environment; and 4) with its multiple nodes, its still way too expensive to be a competitive solution. These are just a few of the objections we hear from skeptical audiences, and they too are exageration, but of the pessimistic variety, intended to delay or put off a decision to go down this path, for a variety of reasons, some well intentioned and others not so much.

And what about the "little black dress"? OK - let's be up front here - when I open a blog with a reference to fashion, you know I'm going out on a limb ... you can tell how fashion conscious I am by the row of khaki pants in my closet. I'm not. But I've heard my wife and other ladies reference the little black dress as a must-have foundational item in a woman's wardrobe, good for so many occasions. Well, that does it, that about sums up what I know about women's fashion.

Now duct tape - or perhaps"duck" tape to you - that's a subject I can get wrapped around, so to speak. Was there ever a more utilitarian product put up on a shelf? Running out of duct tape is unthinkable in our house.

Re the Apollo 13 disaster, duct tape played a key role:

Ed Smylie, one of the NASA mission control engineers who designed the scrubber modification in just two days, said later that he knew the problem was solvable when it was confirmed that duct tape was on the spacecraft: "I felt like we were home free" he said in 2005. "One thing a Southern boy will never say is 'I don't think duct tape will fix it.'" Wikipedia on "Duct Tape"

So what, you may ask, could wireless mesh possibly have to do with a woman's wardrobe or a hardware product, like duct tape? Is wireless a fashion statement? Is wireless a mere tool in a toolbox? Is it something that makes you feel good when you put it on? Does it solve an immediate problem, quickly, at least for now? Well, the answer to all of these questions is "Yes," but as the speaker often tells me when I respond to one of their questions for the audience, "That's a great answer, but not exactly what I'm looking for."

As usual, the truth lies somewhere in the middle of these two extremes, even between the black dress and the duct tape. And that's where I tend to gravitate, to the middle. But first, let's debunk the two imposters on the extremes.

Wireless Mesh is not "All That." It does not provide the same throughput as fiber, yet. It is subject to interference as a wireless technology. If cheap DSL is available, that's probably a more attractive consumer option.

Neither is Wireless Mesh a humbug , a fraud if you will. "Humbug" is such a good, but archaic word. I like the reference to "Humbug" in Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy castigates the Wizard as a fraud on getting a peek behind the proverbial curtain. So beware of those who would tear down what wireless mesh offers without offering you an alternative, more competitive solution. Often the bottom-line of their argument is "I don't know what the answer is, but I know its not Wi Fi." In other words, they're saying "Wait and tolerate your current solution," and for many that is no alternative at all. Don't let negativists rain on your parade, or spoil your Christmas like Scrooge would do, with a curt dismissal and a
"Bah, humbug!"

I can attest what I see in Wireless Mesh, what it is to me. You draw your own conclusions. I trust this technology, this new tool, for what it offers right now.

A wireless mesh can become a foundational element of a city's communication infrastructure, like a little black dress. It can also become an answer for what ails you right now and into the near term (next few years), like duct tape. The presence of a wireless mesh network enables so many things for a city, and it can take the city in so many directions. Its ultmate value depends on your situation and your imagination.

Want new police applications for improved public safety? A wireless mesh will make selecting applications that much easier. Want an automated meter reading system? Start with a wireless mesh network and you won't be disappointed. How about a parking meter overhaul, or improved traffic lights? Again, the wireless mesh network is your starting point. Need to lower broadband rates and stimulate your local economy? Mesh is looking more and more attractive to accomplish that.

A municipal wireless system is a highly versatile tool for a city that can be what you need. It's a general purpose system that can enable specific applications that would be out of reach but for an affordable communications infrastructure. So as usual, simple answers elude us. The answer to the question "Is a wireless mesh network right for me, at this time?" is more complex than either polar argument would lead you to believe.

The answer is "It depends," and it depends on what you want to use it for, how urgent your situation is, how compelling the solution that depends on the network, and the out-of-pocket expense. To answer these questions, you are going to have to roll up your sleeves and do some homework. The alternative is to buy in to one of the extreme positions, which like most quick and simple short term decisions, will leave you disappointed in the longer term. Municipal Wireless technologies do present a useful solution for many, making them worth a longer look before jumping in on a pitch or writing off a proposal.

So, roll up your sleeves, and get busy on finding some answers - you could be missing an answer to your problems. Why stay stuck where you are? You can do better, start today to give your collective imagination a work out, to learn more - initiate an investigative project in your town.

A better future awaits any one of us when we get busy and start working together, focused on the best that is yet to come. Let faith and knowledge drive your decisions, not fear and ignorance.

And what better time to turn over a new leaf and start a new project than at the New Year?

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you, my unknown but beloved readers. May the New Year lead you and your community to a call to action that will bring better times for all!

And who knows, maybe that package way back there, under the tree, almost hidden by that low branch and so overlooked...maybe that package is your own little black dress or roll of duct tape, a versatile gift from Santa, just what you've been looking for...