Wireless mesh nodes or "motes", the basic elements of a sensor networking solution, create a redundant, fault-tolerant wireless network of connections among themselves. This mesh network, which typically carries data to and from a gateway, delivers superior reliability compared to alternative wireless solutions that require direct line-of-sight communication between each device and the gateway.

Most wireless solutions assume that the major stumbling block for wireless deployments will come from RF interference from some other type of radio, so the overall spectrum that will be used is typically profiled prior to installation. However, the RF environment is constantly changing, and a static assessment is outdated as soon as it is complete. Another reason for poor reception or blocked transmissions often comes from the signal bouncing around the plant or building, canceling itself out if it bounces in just the wrong way.

By channel hopping and taking advantage of the multiple paths in the mesh network, devices and gateways based on Dust Network's Time Synchronized Mesh Protocol (TSMP) work together to find paths and channels that optimize data reliability while minimizing power consumption and eliminating points of failure. This gives the network wire-like reliability while avoiding problems with RF interference from other radios and from the electromagnetic noise of motors, lights, and other sources common in plant environments. Most customers report performance metrics that exceed 99.9% data reliability, with numerous real world examples of 100% over extended periods.

Motes are also equipped to transmit and receive data to and from the gateway in a time-synchronized manner. This means that they share the same "clock," knowing precisely when to talk, listen, and most importantly when to turn themselves off, which is critical for conserving battery life, allowing the network to operate on the equivalent of two AA batteries for 7 to 10 years-or longer.

Wireless mesh networks are among the most secure and reliable networks available. All messages are encrypted, authenticated, and checked for integrity. Today's wireless standards typically use a proven AES 128-bit cipher to provide authentication and encryption.

Dust Networks radios are based on the IEEE 802.15.4 industry standard. These radios have 16 spread spectrum channels available for individual communications, giving motes the ability to change channels to avoid interference. The IEEE also created the 802.11, or Wi-Fi, standard and dealt with the potential for coexistence issues in the development of the 802.15.4 standard. Extensive testing of multiple applications within the industry has shown that these technologies can and do coexist very well even under the most difficult circumstances.