Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb LX4 User Manual - page 9
Rajant Corporation
BreadCrumb
®
LX4 User Guide
03-100117-001
Version: 2.02
1 Introduction to BreadCrumbs
Rajant Corporation's (http://www.rajant.com) BreadCrumbs utilize the 802.11 wireless networking
standards to form a wireless mesh network. The network is mobile, self-integrating, self-meshing,
self-healing, and secure. The focus is on flexibility, adaptability, and simplicity.
The BreadCrumb Wireless Network (BCWN) is intended for rapid deployment of a broadband
wireless network into a situation or “hot zone.” The network can be deployed as a stand-alone
wireless network, or bridged to another network (such as the Internet) utilizing available reach-back
communication links (such as a DSL, cable, or satellite modem).
BreadCrumbs provide high bandwidth for applications to stream video, audio as well as data over
large distances. The network traffic can be secured by using different security features offered by
the BCWN. This makes the network optimal for tactical deployments as well as emergency
response situations since it offers robustness, stability and ease of setup in mission critical activities.
1.1 What is a BreadCrumb?
A BreadCrumb is an IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) and Ethernet compatible networking device which has the
capacity to connect to other BreadCrumbs or networking devices to form a BreadCrumb network. A
BreadCrumb is specifically designed for the following scenarios:
Temporary Wireless Networks
Networks that must be established quickly and with minimal effort for short-term use (e.g., a
network established to provide First Responder support at the site of a disaster).
Mobile Wireless Networks
Networks in which the network infrastructure itself is mobile, in addition to client devices (e.g., a
convoy viewing a video stream from a UAV).
Wireless Network Extension
Networks in which a wireless network must be quickly extended around or through obstacles that
block wireless communications (e.g., urban canyon networks, tunnels/caves, etc.)
Wired Network Extension
Networks in which two or more wired LANs at different locations must be connected wirelessly
(e.g., to securely connect combat service support computers with logistics bases)
Any Combination of the Above
Most BreadCrumb deployments include elements from more than one of the above scenarios.
In many cases, BreadCrumbs will perform all of these tasks as shipped with no configuration
necessary at all, providing an instant TAN (Tactical Area Network). Moreover, because
BreadCrumbs use industry-standard 802.11 communications, client devices such as laptops or
handheld computers require no special hardware, software, or configuration to access a BCWN.
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