Wu-Fi nodes to talk amongst themselves [mesh technology standard that lowers cost of wireless networks]

Addressing the need for a new standard for mesh technologies, the IEEE recently approved the new mesh capability known formally as 802.11s. Once products conform to 802.11s, mesh networks can be built up using equipment from any of the Wi-Fi and wireless equipment makers, lowering costs and improving reliability. For the meantime, manufacturers will have to find ways to test their equipment for compatibility and interoperability in addition to securing final approval of the standard. However, some companies are expected to gamble on their ability to produce early products that come so close to meeting the final standard that any differences can be fixed with software updates. That would mean that mesh-capable access points may be available in stores sooner than expected.