Submission January, 2004 Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLCSlide 1 Project: IEEE P Working Group for Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs) Submission Title: [IEEE 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:[ ], FAX: [], Re: [ To define the reasons and justification for the 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 work group on future work and direction.] Notice:This document has been prepared to assist the IEEE P 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 P

Submission January, 2004 Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLCSlide 2 IEEE WPAN General Interest in Mesh Networking Hyatt Albuquerque Albuquerque, NM November 12, 2003

Submission January, 2004 Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLCSlide 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.

Submission January, 2004 Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLCSlide 4 Mesh Networking End Device (RFD or FFD) Coordinator (FFD) WPAN Coordinator (FFD) Mesh Link Star Link

Submission January, 2004 Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLCSlide 5 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

Submission January, 2004 Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLCSlide 6 Study Group for WPAN Mesh Networks That the 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:

Submission January, 2004 Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLCSlide 7 Study Group 5 Status SG5 met to discuss the merit of mesh topologies and including enabling technology in standards. Very good and thoughtful discussion from a wide range of contributors Attendees from the ESS Mesh study group provided comments and suggestions

Submission January, 2004 Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLCSlide 8 Study Group 5 Status Group’s consensus was that a two step approach was best for 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

Submission January, 2004 Patrick Kinney, Kinney Consulting LLCSlide 9 Study Group 5 Motion Motion: That the IEEE WG submit a recommended practice PAR and 5C for as captured in document to the SEC. Moved by: Pat Kinney Seconded by: Ivan Reede