Project: IEEE P802.15 Working Group for Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs)

1. Project: IEEE P802.15 Working Group for Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs) Submission Title: [IEEE 802.15 Request for formation of a Mesh Network Study Group] Date Submitted: [12 Nov, 2003] Source: [Pat Kinney] Company [Kinney Consulting LLC] Address [4097 Manor Oaks Ct, Export, USA] Voice:[724-575-2469], FAX: [], E-Mail: [pat.kinney@ieee.org] Re: [ To define the reasons and justification for the 802.15 WG to form a mesh network study group] Abstract: [This document summarizes the advantages and questions associated with mesh networks.] Purpose: [For discussion within the IEEE 802.15 work group on future work and direction.] Notice: This document has been prepared to assist the IEEE P802.15. It is offered as a basis for discussion and is not binding on the contributing individual(s) or organization(s). The material in this document is subject to change in form and content after further study. The contributor(s) reserve(s) the right to add, amend or withdraw material contained herein. Release: The contributor acknowledges and accepts that this contribution becomes the property of IEEE and may be made publicly available by P802.15. Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLC

2. IEEE 802.15 WPANGeneral Interest in Mesh Networking Hyatt Albuquerque Albuquerque, NM November 12, 2003 Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLC

3. MESH NETWORKS What is a mesh network? A mesh network is a PAN that employs one of two connection arrangements, full mesh topology or partial mesh topology. In the full mesh topology, each node is connected directly to each of the others. In the partial mesh topology, some nodes are connected to all the others, but some of the nodes are connected only to those other nodes with which they exchange the most data. Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLC

4. WPAN Coordinator (FFD) Coordinator (FFD) End Device (RFD or FFD) Mesh Link Star Link Mesh Networking Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLC

5. MESH NETWORKS • Extension of network coverage without increasing transmit power or receive sensitivity • Enhanced reliability via route redundancy • Easier network configuration • Better device battery life due to fewer retransmissions Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLC

6. Study Group for 802.15 WPAN Mesh Networks Motion: That the 802.15 WG approve the formation of a study group to determine the necessary mechanisms that must be present in the PHY and MAC layers of WPANs to enable mesh networking. Moved by Pat Kinney Seconded by Jim Allen Vote results: Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLC

7. Study Group 5 Status • SG5 met to discuss the merit of mesh topologies and including enabling technology in 802.15 standards. • Very good and thoughtful discussion from a wide range of contributors • Attendees from the 802.11 ESS Mesh study group provided comments and suggestions Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLC

8. Study Group 5 Status Group’s consensus was that a two step approach was best for 802.15 Recommended Practice describing the architectural framework of mesh topologies for WPANs • Provide the amendment text to the current WPAN standards if necessary • Amendment to each MAC to implement the recommended practice Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLC

9. Study Group 5 Motion • Motion: That the IEE 802.15 WG submit a recommended practice PAR and 5C for 802.15 as captured in document 15-04-0042-01-0005 to the SEC. • Moved by: Pat Kinney • Seconded by: Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLC