The flash mob of connectivity

Self-organising, solar-powered mesh networks bridge connectivity gaps, offering resilient, sustainable solutions for rural areas, industry, and disaster relief

- PRATIMA HARIGUNANI

The charm of a flash mob is that it appears as unexpectedly as it vanishes and that too effortlessly, especially in the most on-ground but unexpected places, such as on an airport escalator, at a metro station, or inside a bustling shopping mall. But these mobs deserve another pat on the back for the elegance with which they gather; many different individuals come together suddenly to act as one body, moving in sync with a single purpose.

Imagine a flash mob appearing in places where traditional networks might fail or fade. It turns out that one no longer needs to imagine anymore.

THE FRESH PLEXUS

In 2017, Danny Gardner graduated from Illinois with a degree in Electrical Engineering. A lifelong hobbyist in wireless communications, he pursued his senior design project on a solar-powered mesh network. That project later grew into Mesh++, the company he now leads as CEO. With this venture, Gardner is chasing his ambition of bidding farewell to cables altogether.

It makes sense. Mesh networks are robust alternatives to traditional options. In a wireless mesh network, each device can act as a transmitter and receiver, enabling decentralised data flow across a web-like structure powered by multiple interconnected nodes or access points.

According to Polaris Market Research, the mesh network market is expected to grow, driven by the increasing demand for high-speed Internet, the rise in connected devices, and the need for secure and reliable communication networks. Technological advancements such as 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will further accelerate the market.

From the technology standpoint, 5G offers higher bandwidth and lower latency, supporting faster data transfer and mission-critical applications like autonomous vehicles and smart grids.