Meshed networks in Mecca

Tropos Networks in Mecca

Posted by samc on December 21st, 2007

Tropos Networks has set up a network of some 70 meshed routers throughout the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca. The network was constructed for Hajjis. Muslims travel from all over the world each year in observance of Hajj week.

Saudi Arabia’s Communications and Information Technology Commission appointed an Internet service provider, Bayanat Al-Oula and Aptilo, a wireless management services company, to provide temporary wireless network services. It was rolled out in less than 60 days with no help from Tropos personnel, reports the NY Times.

More than 2 million people make the pilgrimage to Mecca each year. The free WiFi network is temporary and is the first ever constructed in Mecca. The network, which consists of Tropos 5210 mesh routers, will remain in place for two more weeks and support 802.11a, b and g devices.

source : dailywireless.org