Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are considered as a promising solution for providing scalable, ubiquitous, reliable and cost-effective broadband access in rural environments. WMNs are composed of many autonomous nodes connected with each other wirelessly, that forward the data to the nodes-gateways to the Internet. In this respect, the network coverage can be expanded easily and without the need of ground fixed networking that is expensive and not easily managed. For the commercial exploitation of the WMNs, many issues are still unresolved, with the most important being the potential for integrating the WMNs with other heterogeneous wireless access technologies.

The MESH-WISE project, funded by the European Commission, brings together research institutes and industrial organisations towards exchanging experience and know-how, as well as performing joint research in the area of designing future heterogeneous WMNs. The MESH-WISE project started in March 2013 and will run for 4 years. It is fully funded (1.700.000 Euros) by the 7th Framework Programme and the Marie Curie Action “Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pathways”, which enables the collaboration between industry and academia and supports the intersectoral exchange of knowledge and technical know-how and the training of new researchers.

The MESH-WISE project consists of five partners from three European countries (Sweden, Greece and Italy) and is coordinated by the Linköping University in Sweden. The Greek partners are the Institute of Computer Science of the Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH) and Forthnet (a spin-off company of FORTH).

The Institute of Computer Science of FORTH has extensive experience and technical know-how in the field of Telecommunications and Networks and conducts innovative world research with worldwide recognition, since its establishment in 1983. Forthnet S.A. – the company that introduced internet and satellite pay TV in Greece – is the largest provider in alternative fixed Telco and pay TV. These two partners are collaborating within the MESH-WISE project in order to develop innovative technical solutions for enabling WMNs to become a marketable product in the near future.

Scientific manager of the project for FORTH is Professor Apostolos Traganitis (tragani@ics.forth.gr), Head of the Telecommunications and Networks Laboratory and for Forthnet the scientific manager is Manolis Stratakis (stratakis@forthnetgroup.gr), Director of Forthnet’s Innovation Department.

More information regarding the MESH-WISE project can be found at http://www.mesh-wise.eu/