Nortel Networks Tests WLAN Mesh

Nortel Networks announced plans to trial a new public wireless LAN architecture aimed at lowering the costs of backhaul links by 70%. The new technology, which will be tested by MIT and BT, is an outgrowth of 'peer-to-peer' and 'ad hoc' networking research at Nortel Networks Ottawa Wireless Technology Lab. The new public wireless LAN architecture includes a peer-to-peer access point architecture - with smart antennas, integrated routers, and adaptive routing and security capabilities - to backhaul data wirelessly to wired broadband networks. This minimizes the need for expensive wired backhaul connections like T1 lines. One of BT's leading enterprise customers will test the technology. The MIT Media Lab will also set-up a trial network.
http://www.nortelnetworks.com