1. Introduction to BreadCrumbs
Rajant Corporation’s ( http://www.rajant.com) BreadCrumbs utilize the IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) wireless net-
working standards to form a wireless mesh network. The network is mobile, self-integrating, self-mesh-
ing, self-healing and secure. The focus is on flexibility, adaptability and simplicity.
The BreadCrumb Kinetic Mesh Network is intended for rapid deployment of a broadband wireless net-
work into a situation or “hot zone.” The network can be deployed as a stand-alone wireless network or
bridged to another network (such as the Internet) utilizing available reach-back communication links
(such as a DSL, cable, or satellite modem).
BreadCrumbs provide high bandwidth for applications to stream video, audio and data over large dis-
tances. The network traffic can be secured by using different security features available on the
BreadCrumb. This makes the network optimal for tactical deployments as well as emergency response
situations since it offers robustness, stability and ease of setup in mission critical activities.
1.1 What is a BreadCrumb?
A BreadCrumb is an IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) and Ethernet compatible networking device that can connect to
other BreadCrumbs or networking devices to form a BreadCrumb network. The BreadCrumb is specifi-
cally designed for the following scenarios:
Temporary Wireless Network: Network that must be established quickly and with minimal effort
for short-term use (e.g., a temporary network established in a tactical situation).
Mobile Wireless Network: Network in which the network infrastructure itself is mobile, in addition
to client devices (e.g., a convoy viewing a video stream from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Wireless Network Extension: Extension to a wireless network to quickly enable wireless communi-
cation around or through an obstacle (e.g., urban canyon, tunnels/caves, etc.)
Wired Network Extension: Wireless connection between two or more wired local area networks
(LANs) at different locations (e.g., to securely connect combat service support computers with logis-
tics bases)
Any combination of the above: Most BreadCrumb deployments include elements from more than
one of these scenarios.
In many cases, BreadCrumbs will perform all of these tasks as shipped with no configuration necessary,
providing an instant Tactical Area Network (TAN). Moreover, because BreadCrumbs use industry-standard
802.11 communication protocols, client devices (such as laptops or cell phones) require no special hard-
ware or soware and little or no configuration to access a BreadCrumb network.
Note
Note
Although any BreadCrumb can be an access point, most access points do not provide mesh capability.
Although any BreadCrumb can be an access point, most access points do not provide mesh capability.
Traditional access points simply allow wireless devices within range to connect to a wired network; tra-
Traditional access points simply allow wireless devices within range to connect to a wired network; tra-
ditional access points do not extend range through other access points.
ditional access points do not extend range through other access points.
1.2 The Mesh Network
The key feature of a BreadCrumb Mesh network is the ability for BreadCrumbs to connect, or mesh, with
each other. While meshing is generally handled automatically by BreadCrumbs, complex deployment sce-
narios require a basic understanding of how BreadCrumbs establish and maintain a mesh.
1.2.1 Mesh – A Definition
A mesh is a collection of BreadCrumbs (or other network devices), each of which is linked to one or more
other BreadCrumbs. Data can move between BreadCrumbs via these links, possibly passing through sev-
eral intermediate BreadCrumbs before arriving at a final destination.
The intelligence of a BreadCrumb network is demonstrated by the rapid creation or destruction of links in
the mesh as devices are moved, switched OFF or ON, blocked by obstructions, interfered with by other
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