Mesh networks are based on intelligent wireless routing technology and a self-organizing, self-healing, and self-configuring architecture.

Once deployed, mesh networks dynamically respond to varying use conditions, providing optimal route selection in the event of failures and environmental changes

In a wireless mesh network, each node need only transmit as far as the next node. Nodes act as repeaters to transmit data from nearby nodes to peers that are too far away to reach, resulting in a network that can span large distances, especially over rough or difficult terrain.

Mesh networks are also extremely reliable, as each node is connected to several other nodes. If one node drops out of the network, due to hardware failure or any other reason, its neighbors simply find another route.

Extra capacity can be installed by simply adding more nodes or points of entry to the wired network infrastructure.

Mesh networks may involve either fixed or mobile devices, with the potential to utilize mobile mesh nodes or even client wireless devices to extend the mesh network.

Mesh networks can provide communications in difficult environments ranging from on-scene first responder emergency situations to communications throughout tunnels and oil rigs to battlefield surveillance and high speed mobile video applications on board public transport.

The choice of radio technology for wireless mesh networks is crucial. In a traditional wireless network where laptops connect to a single access point, each laptop has to share a fixed pool of bandwidth. With mesh technology and adaptive radio, devices in a mesh network will only connect with other devices that are in a set range. The advantage is that, like a natural load balancing system, the more devices the more bandwidth becomes available, provided that the number of hops in the average communications path is kept low. Additionally, the use of multi-mode mesh networks allows for increased capacity as internode communications can utilize different spectrum than that which is used for wireless access to client devices.

Also, the FCC allocated the 4.9 GHz spectrum for licensed use to government entities. The availability of this spectrum for governments makes broadband wireless more attractive for governments who are concerned with unlicensed wireless. The 4.9 GHz spectrum can also be an important element of a single- or multi-mode wireless mesh network.