Mesh Networks, VoWLAN, and Homeland Security

Whereas traditional circuit-switched, TDM networks are inherently vulnerable, mesh-based IP networks are by design more fault tolerant and survivable.  Traditional circuit networks rely on switching and signaling infrastructure that are vulnerable to accidents, disasters, and malicious attacks due to many single-points of failure including non-redundant switching and signaling equipment, facilities, power, etc.  On the other hand, rather than relying on a hub-and-spoke type architecture, mesh networks utilize a peer-to-peer architecture that is more survivable to most any type of problems including the loss of the access point.

• If a circuit switch loses its transmission equipment and/or its inter-office trunking facilities, all communications between that switch and other PSTN nodes is lost.  If a mesh-based VoWLAN network losses its primary wireless backbone (WiMax, MMDS, etc.), it simply fails-over to another connection.

• If a circuit switch is lost altogether, every access line to that switch is without communications.  If a mesh-based VoWLAN network experiences an access point loss, the VoWLAN users simply switches to a new access point system, frequency or technology, or travels within range of another option should another option not be immediately available.

• By their very nature, circuit switched networks are obvious targets for malicious attacks.  While well-secured, a determined attack against the traditional PSTN could disable entire calling areas, cities, or even regions.  In contrast, VoWLAN networks are more distributed, less obvious, and utilize the more flexible and expansive Internet and/or private IP networks for communications.

In summary, it is important to recognize that VoWLAN is more than just a commercial alternative to the traditional circuit-switched PSTN.  VoWLAN represents an opportunity to build an overlay communications network to support various public safety and homeland security requirements.

.