Expansive Networks provides a wireless network solution that replaces fixed wire networks with a highly-scalable wireless alternative. Our wireless solution delivers Ethernet connectivity between buildings without requiring line-of-sight, while offering secure indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi coverage that creates a wireless 'meshzone' around an entire location. CommunityMesh is based on Expansives tConnect system, a state-of-the-art wireless network platform that utilizes mesh radio technology and multiple radios to deliver scalability, redundancy, and resilience to public sector and enterprise deployments over wide areas.

The CommunityMesh Solution

Multi-Function Indoor and Outdoor Mesh Nodes

CommunityMesh comprises a network of hardware units called tConnect, which are available in both indoor and outdoor versions, and together form a complete wireless wide area network solution. A tConnect performs two key functions; firstly, it delivers Ethernet connectivity in the form of a standard RJ45 connection wherever it is deployed. This enables Ethernet-equipped devices such as computers, printers, switches, and hubs to be connected to the network. Secondly, it can deliver simultaneous Wi-Fi connectivity that allows 802.11a/b/g clients to connect wirelessly to the network if they are in range of a tConnect. When multiple tConnects are deployed, they mesh together to form a single, wireless backhaul over which traffic can pass to the central network gateway, removing the need for a fixed wire network. A 'mesh' or 'cloud' of tConnects deployed over a wide area can provide a 'MeshZone' of Wi-Fi coverage, particularly useful in outdoor areas where fixed wire Ethernet connectivity is not practical.

 

	tConnect T100-RE Outdoor Repeater Unit Meshbox Dual radio for providing high power 802.11b for client service and 802.11a for backhaul Weather-proof NEMA-67 rated die-cast aluminium enclosures 266MHz National Geode SC1100 CPU with 64MB SDRAM and passive Power over Ethernet (PoE) Captive portal with RADIUS authentication Remote management via a web browser using a customized linux OS 2 x 2.4GHz 5.5dBi Outdoor Omni Antenna
	tConnect T100-BS Base Station Wireless Meshbox SMC2532W-B 200mW High Power 802.11b 2.4 GHz wireless PC card Weather-proof Nylon enclosure VIA EPIA-5000 Mini-ITX with 800MHz CPU and 256MB PC133 RAM Captive portal with RADIUS authentication Remote management via a web browser using a customized linux OS 9dBi Vertically Polarized Omni Directional Antenna or a 14dBi 120° horizontal beam width Vertically Polarized Sector Antenna

 

High Performance, Dual Radio Architecture

Unlike other mesh solutions, CommunityMesh performs multiple functions simultaneously; wireless backhaul, Ethernet connectivity, and Wi-Fi coverage. To achieve this, Expansive has implemented a dual-radio architecture that partitions backhaul traffic from local client-side connections. The first radio, operating over 802.11a/b/g 5.8GHz at speeds up to 54Mbps, is dedicated to wireless backhaul, moving traffic from each building or outdoor area back to the main network Base Station. A second 200mW high power radio, operating over 802.11b, provides local client-side wireless access to Wi-Fi devices. By separating the traffic types onto different radios, CommunityMesh offers high-capacity backhaul without the additional overhead required for handling simultaneous Wi-Fi connections on a single radio. It also enables the backhaul to operate at dedicated speeds of up to 54Mbps without RF interference from the client access radio.

tConnect T100-IU Indoor Unit Wireless Meshbox Ideal for Warehouses, Factories and large Conference Centres Versatile 802.11a/b/g radio card Weather-proof NEMA-67 rated die-cast aluminium enclosures ideal for factory floors and warehouses 266MHz National Geode SC1100 CPU with 64MB SDRAM and passive Power over Ethernet (PoE) Captive portal with RADIUS authentication Remote management via a web browser using a customized linux OS 2.4GHz 10dBi 110° horizontal beam angle Wall Mount Patch Antenna for corner locations

CommunityMesh works with any backhaul that connects the site with other remote sites, or to the Internet. Whether fiber, leased line, satellite, or fixed wireless, CommunityMesh interoperates with today's network infrastructure. Expansive CommunityMesh maximizes investment with flexibility and portability that wired networks cannot match.