"Mesh" networks are made up of antennas that are arrayed across a town or city like a web. Each antenna is equipped with a data router, or "node," and is connected to the wired broadband infrastructure in the city. These nodes broadcast wireless signals within a limited range. The signals from each node then overlap with one another, forming a cloud of connectivity over the entire network for PCs, laptops and other wireless devices. The more nodes are in the network, the more robust the system becomes.

The available bandwidth on a mesh network gets divided amongst the number of users using the network at the same time. The wired backbone must have enough capacity to support its users to avoid problems with connectivity and signal strength.

Although it must be connected to underground wires that transmit broadband, a mesh network has no identifiable center and no large, expensive towers that serve as "hubs." The nodes in a mesh network are relatively small and inexpensive.

Benefits: Mesh networks are much more versatile than common wireless routers. Using free, "open source" software, nodes in a mesh network can communicate with each other, sending data around obstacles to utilize all the available broadband capacity. This allows for stronger and more reliable wireless coverage. Because the equipment they use is cheap, mesh networks can be built at negligible price beyond the cost of labor.

Costs: Connectivity problems can occur if there are not enough nodes on the network (or they are not properly placed), or if there are too many users for the available bandwidth. Privacy issues can arise if the network is not properly secured by the network manager.