Rural Wireless Mesh Network: A Design Methodology

TL;DR

This paper proposes a ten-step design methodology for deploying cost-effective wireless mesh networks in rural regions, focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa to enhance connectivity and local activities.

Contribution

It introduces a structured design process tailored for rural areas, emphasizing cost reduction and region-specific analysis for network deployment.

Findings

A ten-step methodology for rural wireless mesh network design.

Cost-effective indoor-outdoor deployment strategy.

Enhanced network sustainability in underdeveloped regions.

Abstract

Wireless Mesh Network is presented as an appealing solution for bridging the digital divide between developed and under-developed regions. But the planning and deployment of these networks are not just a technical matter, since the success depends on many other factors tied to the related region. Although we observe some deployments, to ensure usefulness and sustainability, there is still a need of concrete design process model and proper network planning approach for rural regions, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper presents a design methodology to provide network connectivity from a landline node in a rural region at very low cost. We propose a methodology composed of ten steps, starting by a deep analysis of the region in order to identify relevant constraints and useful applications to sustain local activities and communication. Approach for planning the physical architecture of the network is based on an indoor-outdoor deployment for reducing the overall cost of the network.