January, 2004

Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLCSlide 1

15-03-0499-01-0040

Submission

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

January, 2004

Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLCSlide 2

15-03-0499-01-0040

Submission

IEEE 802.15 WPANGeneral Interest in Mesh Networking

Hyatt Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM

November 12, 2003

January, 2004

Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLCSlide 3

15-03-0499-01-0040

Submission

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.

January, 2004

Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLCSlide 4

15-03-0499-01-0040

Submission

Mesh Networking

End Device (RFD or FFD)

Coordinator (FFD)

WPAN Coordinator (FFD)

Mesh Link

Star Link

January, 2004

Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLCSlide 5

15-03-0499-01-0040

Submission

MESH NETWORKS

1. Extension of network coverage without increasing transmit power or receive sensitivity

2. Enhanced reliability via route redundancy

3. Easier network configuration

4. Better device battery life due to fewer retransmissions

January, 2004

Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLCSlide 6

15-03-0499-01-0040

Submission

Study Group for 802.15 WPAN Mesh Networks

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:

Motion:

January, 2004

Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLCSlide 7

15-03-0499-01-0040

Submission

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

January, 2004

Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLCSlide 8

15-03-0499-01-0040

Submission

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

1. Amendment to each MAC to implement the recommended practice

January, 2004

Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLCSlide 9

15-03-0499-01-0040

Submission

Study Group 5 Motion

• Motion: That the IEEE 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: Ivan Reede