A Wi-Fi mesh network is a system of multiple interconnected devices that work together to provide seamless wireless coverage throughout a large area. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi networks, which rely on a single router to provide coverage, mesh networks consist of multiple interconnected access points or nodes, which can communicate with each other to extend the network’s coverage and reliability.
What Is Wi-Fi Mesh Function
Wi-Fi Mesh based on ESP32 chip is like a Wi-Fi bridging function. As a technology in which a device transmits its own data and also serves as a data transmission relay for other devices, Wi-Fi Mesh function based on ESP32 chip requires at least two wireless hops to transfer information from the source device to the destination device.
Wi-Fi Mesh function based on ESP32 chip adopts a tree topology with a root node, intermediate nodes and leaf nodes, which makes the Wi-Fi network more scalable and fault-tolerant. All nodes in the network can become the root node. So if the root node is abnormal, the network will automatically select a new root node. These effectively reduce the dependence of the tree topology on a single node, and allow each node in Mesh network to participate in the forwarding of information.
Therefore, Wi-Fi Mesh function based on ESP32 chip defines a self-organizing, self-recovery, fast networking, and easy-to-control network. Its high reliability and wide coverage make it an ideal wireless solution for covering large areas.
How Does Wi-Fi Mesh Works In IoT Gateway and Its Benefits
Wi-Fi Mesh function makes an IoT gateway into a device that serves as the primary access point for a Wi-Fi mesh network. The IoT gateway is usually connected directly to the internet through a modem, and it communicates with the other nodes in the network to provide seamless wireless coverage. The IoT gateway is responsible for managing the network and ensuring that all devices are connected and functioning properly. It also provides a central point of control for the network, allowing users to manage settings and configurations from a single location.
Seamless Coverage Throughout A Large Area
One of the key advantages of a Wi-Fi mesh gateway is its ability to provide seamless coverage throughout a large area. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi networks, which can struggle to provide reliable coverage in larger homes or buildings, mesh networks can be easily extended by adding additional nodes to the network. This means that users can enjoy fast and reliable wireless coverage throughout their home, without having to worry about dead zones or dropped connections.
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Advanced Security and Parental Control
Another advantage of a Wi-Fi mesh gateway is its ability to provide advanced features and capabilities. Many gateways working with mesh network come with advanced security features, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, which help to protect the network from unauthorized access and hacking attempts. They also often include parental controls and content filtering, which allow parents to control what their children can access on the internet.
Application of Wi-Fi Mesh Function
Wi-Fi Mesh function is very suitable for in industrial field needing numerous equipment spread over a large physical area to be interconnected under a single WLAN, with networking features of self-organizing and self-healing. Here we give an example of air compressor.
Air Compressor is widely used in metallurgy, electric power, petroleum and oil industries, for blast furnace blast, pulverized coal transportation of blast furnace and boiler, mine and power station cooling tower ventilation, etc. Air compressor manufacturer often wanted to deploy a equipment Mesh network and remote monitoring solution that could capture real-time equipment operating data (temperature, pressure, vibration, and run time) and perform compressor analysis, life assessment, and predictive maintenance, so as to improve production management.
Needs of Air Compressor Manufacturer
- Wide operating temperature range without fear of harsh environments;
- Wireless expansion capability to simplify network deployment(Wi-Fi Mesh Function);
- Requires a cloud-based service for easy monitoring and multi-user access control.
How Does Industrial IoT Gateway With Wi-Fi Mesh Function Help Solve the Problem?
Generally speaking, the industrial IoT gateway provides network access for air compressors and establishes a maintenance channel with on-site air compressors. After the maintenance personnel log in to the client application, they can implement functions such as remote maintenance and remote online monitoring, and grasp the on-site air compressor machine running status in real time and remotely upload and download programs when needed.
In detail, the data information and geographic location of the air compressor control modules are transmitted to the industrial IoT gateway through the serial port, and the industrial IoT gateway transmits the data to the air compressor management platform, which analyzes and processes the data. Maintenance personnel can use the computer or the mobile terminal to realize data viewing, modification, alarm, statistics, analysis, etc. At the same time, the platform can also issue collecting and controlling instructions, and then send them to the air compressor through the industrial IoT gateway, and then return to the platform after collecting, and then the platform perform makes data analysis and processing to help enterprises make intelligent management.
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Conclusion
In today’s world, it is becoming increasingly important to stay connected to the internet, no matter where we are. One of the ways to do this is through Wi-Fi networks, which have become a ubiquitous feature of modern life. However, as the demand for wireless connectivity grows, traditional Wi-Fi networks can often struggle to provide adequate coverage and reliable performance. This is where IoT gateways with Wi-Fi mesh function based on ESP32 chip come in.
