Motorola and MeshNetworks team-up

Motorola is adding MeshNetworks mobile ad hoc networking solution to its product offerings. The two companies have signed an agreement enabling Motorola to distribute the MeshNetworks Enabled Architecture (MEA®) product line through its sales force and re-seller network.

The MEA solution’s self-forming, self-healing mobile broadband networking and precision position-location solutions will be offered as part of Motorola’s advanced wireless broadband data portfolio for enterprise, utility and public safety. MeshNetworks’ systems have been deployed worldwide in public safety, Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and municipal government applications.

“The Mesh-Enabled solution’s self-forming networking enables first responders to create an instant incident data communications system by simply turning on their radios,” said Nick Rendone, Motorola vice president, Wireless Broadband Solutions Operations. “This feature offered through MeshNetworks fits well with Motorola’s next-generation data strategy for public safety, a unique and demanding customer segment.”

By leveraging MeshNetworks technologies, users equipped with a mobile computer, a PDA, or other Motorola-powered data device are able to join with other users to create an ad hoc broadband network capable of operating under harsh conditions, even in the absence of existing radio infrastructure.

Every mesh-enabled radio serves as a router/repeater for every other radio - automatically extending the range and robustness of the network. Broadband data, video and asset tracking are available on scene, even if a natural or manmade disaster has destroyed the surrounding radio network. MEA network products operate in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band and leverage patented radio technology to mitigate intentional and unintentional interference from other devices within the band.

“Motorola customers will benefit by having access to cutting edge mesh networking and position-location solutions,” said Richard Licursi, CEO MeshNetworks, Inc.

“Orange County Fire Rescue Department (FL) was introduced to MeshNetworks' technology and found it could potentially address many issues faced by firefighters," said Deputy Chief Bill Godfrey of Florida's Orange County Fire Rescue Department.

"We were originally interested in MeshNetworks' technology only as a data communications solution, but the technology's location capability also captured our attention since we immediately recognized its potential to locate missing firefighters inside a burning building."

Orange County Fire Rescue Department has worked with MeshNetworks for the last three years on the incident management project, and has been a long time Motorola radio customer.

The agreement also gives Motorola rights to integrate components of MeshNetworks technology, including the MeshNetworks Positioning System (MPS) and MeshConnex™ software suites into future data products, including those in the recently allocated 4.9GHz FCC licensed band for public safety users.

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