The LocustWorld MeshAP and MeshAP-ProLocustWorld provide two versions of their mesh networking system. The MeshAP and the MeshAP-Pro. Both systems use the same AODV routing to build large scale wireless mesh networks. MeshAP is used by non-commercial operators, and the MeshAP-Pro contains additional features to support wireless ISPs providing commercial services.
Routing
The LocustWorld mesh uses AODV, Ad Hoc, On Demand, Distance Vector routing to build up a large scale, self organising network. The mesh will reconfigure and maintain optimum network routing automatically, allowing for new nodes, mobile users and changing conditions. Mesh routing provides a highly resilient network.
Remote Management
The LocustWorld mesh provides a comprehensive Network Operations Centre application. This allows the operator manage their mesh nodes, maintain user access controls, monitor operations, visualise the network topology and troubleshoot networking issues.
| Both MeshAP and Pro | Additional MeshAP-Pro Features |
| Graphical Mesh Topology | Traffic logging, showing user activity and loading |
| Node status | Automated monitoring, alerting operator of critical network issues |
| Lease data for every user | Email, IM, SMS text or Voice Telephone Alerts |
| User Access Controls | Additional QoS settings for Voice over IP |
| Bandwidth Management | Analyse wireless transmission data per client |
Over 300 settings on each node | Over 64 additional extended statistics graphs per node |
| Local web admin console | |
| Survey other wireless networks | |
User Access
Users can connect to the mesh using wired or wireless network connections. The mesh appears to them as a tcp/ip router giving them an internet connection once they are authenticated. User access to internet services is controlled through web login, MAC address or pptp VPN login.
| Both MeshAP and Pro | Additional MeshAP-Pro Features |
| User Login Controls | No simultaneous use of login accounts |
| Multiple Classes of Bandwidth | Access pptp vpn's on the internet |
| Web Login | API link to external customer accounting system |
| MAC address authentication | Disconnect or Block any user by MAC address |
| PPTP VPN login | |
| One time hotspot ticket functions | |
Encryption
All of the data passed over the mesh between mesh nodes is encrypted using high strength AES encryption. Mesh encryption is backed by digital certificates, sealing the network by using certificated private key exchange with a 2048 bit key. MeshAP and MeshAP-Pro both use the same encryption, giving the same high standard on both systems. Certification and high strength encryption make the mesh the most secure wireless network available. MeshAP-Pro also supports the VIA Padlock ACE, an AES hardware accelerator, making the MeshAP-Pro the fastest, and most secure, wireless network.
| Both MeshAP and Pro | Additional MeshAP-Pro Features |
| Certificated Encryption | Supports VIA Padlock ACE |
| Signed Digital Certificates | Fastest and Most Secure |
| High Strength AES | |
| Public/Private Key Exchange, 2048 Bit | |
| Extremely Secure Wireless Network | |
Voice over IP, VoIP
SIP is the most popular protocol for VoIP on the Mesh. An optional SIP proxy and SIP router application is available as an additional software module that can be loaded onto any mesh node. The SIP Proxy works with MeshAP and MeshAP-Pro, and it can be added to any node through the Mesh software module manager, just by clicking on the option. SIP routing within the mesh gives strong sip compatibility and ensures that VoIP traffic is carried through the mesh above the other data, giving more consistent voice quality.
| Both MeshAP and Pro | Additional MeshAP-Pro Features |
| SIP Proxy and SIP Router | Additional QoS functions |
| Prioritised above data traffic | |
| Two way calling over the mesh | |
| Connect to internet and public phone networks | |
Support
Detailed technical information on the workings of the MeshAP is given on the LocustWorld web site. A mailing list for users of the system provides some self-help support for non commercial MeshAP installations. LocustWorld provide professional support services for network design, installation, training, configuration and ongoing support for commercial
operators.
The MeshAP-Pro is provided with a comprehensive support package,providing software support, software maintenance and a service level commitment for the management system. Meshbox customers using the MeshAP for non-commercial operations can get email support through support@locustworld.com which often helps to sort out minor issues.
LocustWorld work with a world-wide network of Qualified Service
Partners, who have the resources to install, train and maintain networks
for customers within their coverage area.
| Both MeshAP and Pro | Additional MeshAP-Pro Features |
| Online technical documentation | Service level agreement |
| User mailing list | Network of Qualified Service Partners |
| support@locustworld.com | Professional services |
MeshAP or MeshAP-Pro ?
The MeshAP lets non commercial projects use the LocustWorld mesh for technical evaluation, education and internal projects. If you have an area to cover with a non commercial wireless internet access network, such as connecting together residents in a local area, linking homes and offices, then the MeshAP should be most suitable. A self supported, smaller scale, community project can build a very workable wireless internet service using the MeshAP.
Wireless Internet Service Providers, WISPs, providing commercial internet services to customers, will find value additional in the MeshAP-Pro package. The Pro features have all come about from requests from WISPs, for functions that they needed to run their commercial operation.
Often smaller mesh projects, that start off as a non-commercial community service using the MeshAP, grow through success and demand for services into commercial operations and upgrade to the MeshAP-Pro.
The MeshAP can be downloaded from the LocustWorld web site for no charge, and it is loaded as standard onto Meshboxes provided by LocustWorld. The MeshAP-Pro is available through a support and license agreement, directly from LocustWorld, and from qualified distributors and resellers. For advice and information contact LocustWorld.
Contact: business@locustworld.com, or call LocustWorld in London, UK, on +44 207 108 6215
