In developing countries, the penetration and impact of wireless mesh network is even more significant than in developed countries. Wireless mesh is decentralised, relatively inexpensive, and very reliable and resilient, as each node need only... |
In developing countries, the penetration and impact of wireless mesh network is even more significant than in developed countries. Wireless mesh is decentralised, relatively inexpensive, and very reliable and resilient, as each node need only transmit as far as the next node.
Its versatility suggests that the technology will be widely accepted and deployed in a massive scale, thus, changing the way people do business opportunities and the potential to uplift third-world economies.
Third-world countries cannot afford to deploy expensive wireless networks and unavailability of proper wireless network impedes the growth of a country. Cellular services are not a viable options in these countries considering the cost factor. However, a wireless mesh network allows subscribers with mobile devices with Wi-Fi capabilities to sign up for and receive an economical service very quickly. This can lead to local businesses establishing international businesses that effect on the global economy.
"Wireless mesh networks can provide the stimulus a developing nation needs, breaking its isolation and enabling it to enter the global marketplace," said Nan Chen, Vice President of Sytrix System, in his article "Wireless Mesh Networking for Developing Countries."
Geographically also, wireless mesh networks offer better efficiency and cost-effectiveness to the developing countries. It works over any type of terrain, has the ability to penetrate in remotest and isolated areas, and requires far lesser time in deploying, making it a far more economical approach then others.
There are, however, a few prerequisites a country has to fulfill to be a candidate for wireless mesh networks deployment. According to Nan Chen, there must also be people who understand, or are capable of understanding, the international telecom industry, since building a mesh network will connect the nation to that industry. The next requirement is for an integrator or service provider, local or international, capable of providing service to the country.
He said before deploying the network a thorough study is needed so that the network is deployed based on the country’s existing economic condition.
Understanding the importance of the technology that will uplift third-world economies, members of the open source community are working on ways to make wireless networking free so that developing countries could take full benefit of the technology. An open source project could help in making wireless broadband available for communities that cannot afford it and address the real digital divide.
Open source wireless projects have proven their stands during disaster situations like Hurricane Katrina and the East Asian tsunami, when these projects were utilised for recovery efforts.
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