AT TOP	Paper 629	US-W-z	DOWN
HF Radio Mesh Networks
Johnson,Eric		NMSU
Wireless mesh networks provide robust connectivity among a number of nodes. The use of high-frequency radio links extends this concept beyond line of sight to provide potentially global coverage. In this paper, we explore the capabilities of HF radio mesh networks, and evaluate the performance of such networking in both local (NVIS) and long-haul applications. Two alternative channel access technologies are compared: automatic link establishment and fixed-frequency MAC protocols. The data handling capacity of HF radio mesh networks is computed as a function of the number of usable channels in the frequency pool.
Dr. Eric E. Johnson has led research in wireless networks for over 20 years and has been a key contributor to HF radio developments since the beginning of what is now regarded as the second generation. He chairs the government/industry Technical Advisory Committee that guides the development of US Military Standards for HF radio, represents the US at the NATO beyond-line-of-sight working group, and was the author or editor of four of the current generation of US and NATO standards for HF protocols and modems. Dr. Johnson is also the lead author of "Advanced High-Frequency Radio Communications." He is Professor and Director of the Computer Engineering Faculty in the Klipsch School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at New Mexico State University and also teaches short courses in HF radio for AFCEA and NATO.