Mesh Networks Break Down Under Large Crowds, Researchers Find
A team of developers presented a new prototype mesh network called Amigo at a leading cryptography conference in Sofia, Bulgaria, earlier this year. However, their findings revealed that mesh networks struggle to maintain connectivity when large crowds gather.
According to the researchers, mesh networks rely on each device acting as both a transmitter and receiver, creating a web-like structure of connections. This decentralized approach allows devices to communicate directly with one another without relying on a central hub. However, when a crowd is present, the sheer number of devices competing for bandwidth causes congestion, leading to dropped connections.
"We were surprised by how quickly the network would break down in the presence of large crowds," said Cora Ruiz, a member of the development team. "It's not just about having more devices; it's about how they interact with each other."
The researchers used real-world crowd models to recreate scenarios where mesh networks are typically deployed, such as festivals and public gatherings. They found that even with optimized protocols, mesh networks struggled to maintain connectivity when there were more than 100 devices connected.
Mesh networks have been touted as a solution for areas with limited internet infrastructure or in emergency situations where traditional networks may be down. However, the findings suggest that these networks may not be as resilient as previously thought.
"This is not to say that mesh networks are useless," said David Inyangson, another member of the team. "But we need to acknowledge their limitations and work on improving them."
The researchers plan to continue working on optimizing mesh network protocols to better handle large crowds. They also hope to collaborate with other developers to create more robust and reliable mesh networks.
Background: Mesh networks have gained popularity in recent years due to their potential for providing internet access in areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking. However, the technology has yet to be widely adopted, partly due to concerns about its scalability and reliability.
The study's findings have implications for various industries that rely on mesh networks, including event organizers, emergency responders, and telecommunications providers. As the world becomes increasingly dependent on wireless connectivity, researchers will continue to explore ways to improve the resilience of mesh networks in crowded environments.
In related news, other developers are working on alternative solutions to address the limitations of mesh networks. For example, a team at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is developing a new protocol that uses artificial intelligence to optimize network performance in real-time.
As research and development continue, it remains to be seen whether mesh networks can overcome their limitations and become a reliable solution for areas with limited internet infrastructure.
*Reporting by Spectrum.*
