The IEEE 802.11s Extended Service Set Mesh Networking Standard

TLDR

Municipalities are rapidly deploying metro‑scale two‑tier wireless mesh networks, and the IEEE 802.11s standard is being developed to enable interoperability among heterogeneous mesh devices. This article describes how the initial IEEE 802.11s standard addresses key standardization factors, focusing on efficient allocation of mesh resources at the routing and MAC layers. The standard implements mechanisms for protecting and conserving network resources through security and energy efficiency, ensures fairness and eliminates spatial bias via mesh congestion control, and is motivated by examples from existing deployments, simulations, and analytical models.

Abstract

Today, municipalities are planning to deploy metro-scale two-tier wireless mesh networks at a rapid pace. Fittingly, the IEEE 802.11s standard is being developed to allow interoperability between heterogeneous mesh network devices. In this article we describe and discuss how the initial standard addresses key factors for standardization of these networks: Efficient allocation of mesh resources at the routing and MAC layers. Protection and conservation of the network resources via security and energy efficiency. Assurance of fairness and elimination of spatial bias via mesh congestion control. We draw on examples from existing two-tier deployments, simulations, and analytical models to motivate these enhancements within the standard.