SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING MAC-LEVEL WIRELESS MESH NETWORKS INCORPORATING LONG-RANGE PATHWAYS

摘要

In one aspect, a system for providing a wireless mesh network includes a plurality of wireless mesh nodes positioned relative to an outdoor area, with the wireless mesh nodes comprising a plurality of stationary nodes spaced apart from one another across the outdoor area and a plurality of mobile nodes configured to be moved across the outdoor area. Each of the nodes is formed from a respective wireless communication device, with each wireless communication device being configured to function as a Media Access Control (MAC) level device when communicating data across the wireless mesh network. Additionally, the wireless communication device forming each respective mobile node is configured to communicate data across the wireless mesh network using a short-range wireless communications protocol. Moreover, at least a portion the wireless communication devices forming the stationary nodes are configured to communicate data across the wireless mesh network using a long-range wireless communications protocol.