Motorola adds mesh networking technology

Targeting safety and traffic management applications among others, Motorola has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Maitland, Florida-based MeshNetworks Inc., a privately held developer of self-forming, self-healing broadband networking and position location technologies. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but it’s expected to close before the end of the year.

Low latency mesh networking between moving vehicles, and between vehicles and roadside access points, could allow cars to broadcast warnings of nearby emergency situations or adverse road conditions, with the information displayed in onboard navigations systems and roadside messaging boards. Mesh networks can operate under harsh conditions, and can overcome the limitations of hotspots that would otherwise limit the range of wireless service.