The IP400 Mesh Networking Project was started to develop a next generation data communications system for Amateur Radio by amateurs. There are two primary project goals:
- Create the capability to deploy a mesh data network using an amateur FM transceiver on any band from 10M to 1296MHz, without power limitation.
- Raise the bar on data rates data rates that are commonly used by introducing a new modulation scheme, while staying within the regulatory limitations.
To convert a radio to a mesh node, a new hardware module, called an advanced mesh network controller (AMNC), has been built, which adapts any FM transceiver into a mesh network participant. It can also adapt ageing repeater systems with a new, high speed data capability.
Higher speed data rates have been accomplished with a new modulation technique called OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) in the audio band (OFDM-AB), coupled with software that implements the mesh networking capabilities. As it is audio, it can be used with any FM radio on any band, and not be limited by power or regulations.
The firmware, called the Unified Firmware Platform, implements the mesh networking, and is modem agnostic, thus enabling it to be used with current and future hardware.
To learn more, please take a look at the presentation below.