Mobile Ad hoc Network Technology

MANET, or mobile mesh networking technology allow users to communicate in a mobile environment without relying on a fixed infrastructure. Each user, or the entire network, can move about freely while maintaining communication links with other users. NovaRoam employs the popular AODV (Ad hoc On-demand Distance Vector) protocol to provide this advanced capability.

Clustering Technology

The latest technical innovation from Nova's engineers, NovaRoam Clustering Technology™ offers the versatility and robustness of ad hoc communications while leveraging the scalability of infrastructure. Introducing a more capable solution for wide-area networking.

Security

World events over the past few years have increased the focus on properly securing sensitive wireless data, especially when the public's safety and the nation's critical infrastructure are involved. Luckily, NovaRoam is up to the task with various measures that exceed expectations for commercially-available wireless data systems.

Throughput/Data Rate

Estimating the expected data rate for each user in your wireless mesh network involves more than just dividing the total system throughput by the number of users. We demystify the topic of throughput and provide the information necessary to help you make an estimate.

Unidirectional Link Detection and Avoidance

Learn how this feature helps NovaRoam detect the presence of unidirectional links, and subsequently avoid using them in order to improve the wireless network's reliability.

E Series NovaRoams operate in the unlicensed 902-928 MHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) frequency band. This band is license-free in North America and does not require further FCC approval for its use.

Compared with higher frequency band alternatives, NovaRoams:

•	Offer better signal propagation than higher radio frequencies
•	Are capable of traveling greater distances
•	Offer better penetration through obstructions

The 902-928 MHz band offers the best propagation characteristics of all the available ISM bands, allowing wireless links to reach for miles instead of meters.

NovaRoam Mobile Routers use spread spectrum RF modulation techniques. Spread spectrum involves spreading the RF signal over a wider range of the frequency spectrum, thus making it harder to detect, intercept, or interfere with. There are two primary spread spectrum techniques: Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS). DSSS spreads the data over a contiguous range of RF spectrum. The result is secure, robust performance and increased bandwidth. FHSS data "hops" from frequency to frequency over a wide band, using a predetermined hopping pattern (or hopset). The resulting signal is better able to combat interference and multipath issues. Wireless equipment that uses FHSS typically has lower data rates than DSSS equipment.

The T Series routers and the NovaRoam ED900 of the E Series feature DSSS.
The NovaRoam EH900 features FHSS.


NovaRoam Mobile Routers can function as routers or as bridges. What’s the difference?

A router is a device that routes traffic between different Ethernet subnets. As Layer 3 devices, routers process data at the network level. As a router, the NovaRoam is able to use its MANET capabilities to automatically establish and maintain routing information. The result is a “set it and forget it” network.

A bridge is used to connect different segments of the same Ethernet subnet. A bridge, which is similar to a switch, is a Layer 2 device, meaning it processes data at the datalink level.