1. Introduction to Broadband HamNet
Mesh Networking
Introduction to Broadband HamNet

2. Goals of this Presentation
Obtain an understanding of Mesh Networking
Understand basic setup and configuration of a mesh node
Understand various uses of a mesh network

3. What is Mesh Networking?
Method for creating a computer network
Mesh nodes are self discovering, self configuring, self advertising and fault tolerant
Mesh network can act as a Local Area Network (LAN) or be connected to other networks, like the Internet
Purpose built as an EMCOM tool

4. How can we do this?
Consumer based hardware overlaps Amateur frequencies!
2.4Ghz
5.7Ghz
900Mhz
3.4Ghz (coming soon)
As Amateurs, we can add high gain antennas and increase power beyond Part 15.

5. Software Broadband HamNet (formally HSMM) firmware Primary Developers
First released 8/24/2006
Based off of OpenWRT open source software
Utilizes OLSR – this is the software that does the “meshing.”
Primary Developers
Glenn KD5MFW
David AD5OO
Bob WB5AOH
Rick NG5V
Ham priced – FREE!

6. Hardware - Linksys Linksys WRT54 routers Inexpensive $20-$35 on eBay
Nice port layout, particularly for interfacing to the Internet
Run on 12VDC
Options for additional antennas
No longer manufactured
Not all WRT54G models are compatible, only specific “versions” – know what you need

7. Hardware - Ubiquiti Ubiquiti Devices Costs $60-$130
More durable than Linksys for outdoor use
Products are still being manufactured
Larger internal memory, allowing larger firmware images (more features)
Requires power injectors to power the devices
Single RJ45 port
Additional ports require a switch.
Interfacing into Internet is more complex and requires switch that supports VLANs.
Make sure the model you want to purchase is on compatibility list.

8. Hardware – Raspberry Pi
Cost $35-$50
Product is still being manufactured
Larger internal memory, allowing larger firmware images (more features)
Allows customized application development
Single RJ45 port
Additional ports require a switch.
Need to purchase USB WiFi adapter
Mesh interface is not “standard”
Not all features are implemented in the RPi interface.
More complex to install

9. Terminology
Nodes – A “node” is a mesh device in the network. This would be a Linksys, Ubiquiti, or RPi.
Devices – Devices are any IP based hardware that is plugged into the Mesh network. This include devices like Laptops, IP Cameras, and IP Printers.

10. How does this work?

11. Node Loss Scenario 1

12. Node Loss Scenario 2

13. Internet Connectivity

14. What can we do with it? We have a local TCP/IP Network!
IP Cameras/Webcams
VoIP
PBX
Magic Jack
(SMTP)
Web Traffic (HTTP)
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
Instant Messaging
Cloud Storage
Dropbox
SugarSync
NAS devices (Network Storage)
Any program or device that uses TCP/IP for connectivity

15. Devices on the Mesh

16. Show me the flash
Download the latest firmware from
Be sure you get the correct firmware for your hardware and hardware version!
Factory reset the device, particularly if you’ve bought it used.
Plug in the device directly to your computer
Run the following commands from a Command window
ipconfig /release – This command releases the current IP address on your computer
ipconfig /renew – This command obtains a new IP address for your computer
You can check the IP addresses assigned to your computer by running the following command
ipconfig
The IPv4 address listed is the address assigned to your computer
The Default Gateway address is the IP address of your router.
If there is no Default Gateway address and/or your assigned address is 169.x.x.x the router is not operating correctly.
Login to the device by going to
Linksys
Devices typically use a local IP address of
Default login/password: (blank)/admin
Ubiquiti
Devices typically use a local IP address of
Default login/password: ubnt/ubnt

17. Update Flash - Linksys
Navigate to the screen to upload/update firmware in the Administration Menu

18. Update Flash - Ubiquiti
Navigate to the screen to upload/update firmware in the System Menu

19. Flashed! Log into your node.
Once router reboots, refresh your IP address
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
You can access the node 2 ways:
Node ip address can be determined by issuing the ipconfig command and node the address of the Default Gateway. That is the node’s IP address
Login to the node
Default login/password: root/hsmm

20. Logged in

21. Basic Configuration Node Name: CallSign-x Password
Node Name must be unique on the mesh network.
Optionally you can add a tactical call to the node
Callsign-x/Tactical
Note that tactical callsigns must be unique on the mesh network
Password
Enter a password to access the node.
Recommend you write the node name and password on the node.
Save the configuration and reboot the router
After the device is rebooted, you will need to release/renew the IP address on your computer.
The IP addresses assigned by nodes is based off of the Node Name. Any time the Node Name is changed, the IP addresses provided by the node will change.
Your Mesh node is online!

22. Mesh Node Status

23. K8SRR-14 Mesh Diagram

24. Notes on Mesh Networks
You cannot connect a computer via WiFi to a Mesh Network
The Mesh firmware version must be the same for nodes to mesh together. A version mesh node will not connect with a node
Changing the mesh node name will change the IP scheme the node provides, ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew are your friend!
Nodes will be accessible by name and/or tactical call. i.e. can access a given node
Do not forget your password!

25. QUESTIONS?