IoT makes the interconnected devices network. It is through Internet that this connection is established.
There is another way to connect the devices — direct communication of these devices. It is called a mesh network, which is a local network. It rides on technologies such as Bluetooth, WiFi, 2G, landlines or fibre.
A normal network is hub-spoke type. Each smart device connects to a router which acts as a hub controlling conversations with the spokes. A mesh network is different. It has some significant advantages. These are self-discovering networks. A new device enters automatically as a node — it is integrated. A device may drop off. Still the mesh continues to function. Meshes can be partial, with some nodes connected but not all. Meshes can be full where all nodes are connected. Meshes function in close range as well as across distances. They can transmit data without internet.
A laptop (node 1) can connect to someone’s automobile (node 2) and that connects to someone’s mobile (node 3). These are across distances of 100 metres and are called multi-hops. Such multi-hopping enables transmission of data over long distances without Internet. In crisis, such transmission is useful. There could be meshes of Bluetooth-enabled cell-phones — in Arogya Setu app, we can see the contacts around us and their health status. Reporters can get data from project sites even when Internet has been suspended. In classrooms, there could be chat among the participants. In remote and difficult areas such as mountain tops such communication is useful. Balloons with mesh routers successfully create such networks.
Mesh routers are economical. The software and data routing algorithms are improving.
Of course, privacy is a concern here. There could be data leakages. Some nodes could be used for illicit purposes. The other nodes pass on relevant data back and forth.
Amazon has created sidewalk mesh. It connects Echo speakers and Ring security cameras across the US. It is an opt-in by default. Users have to opt out for being left out the mesh. Amazon’s promises data security. It is yet to be seen how it works out.