QuRiNet: A wide-area wireless mesh testbed for research and experimental evaluations

Research in wireless mesh networks have been growing in recent years. Many testbeds have been created to study networking protocols in wireless mesh networks. In this work, we describe QuRiNet, an outdoor wide-area wireless mesh network deployed in a natural reserve. We describe various research efforts that have been leveraging the QuRiNet testbed. Several interesting measurement data are reported in addition to their impact due to various network configurations and technological variations. Mesh nodes in QuRiNet are powered by solar panels, running with multiple radios. QuRiNet provides the backbone for transporting ecological and environmental data from the field to the labs. The goal of deploying QuRiNet is to create a research platform for advance wireless mesh networking research. Physical link distances in QuRiNet range from hundreds to thousands of meters. QuRiNet has been used for experimental research studies including: channel assignment, network monitoring, and mobility studies.