Wifi Revolution

Wireless networking solution vendor, Meraki has started shipping a solar-powered Wi-Fi mesh device that, according to the manufacturer, will make wireless networks energy- independent.

 

Meraki’s device is likely to become popular among networking gear vendors in emerging markets, like India and China, where power outages often shutdown wireless towers.

 

In advanced countries like the U.S., the solar-powered device removes the need to hire an electrician to set up Wi-Fi on rooftops.

 

Meraki Solar, according to analysts, is ideal for installations in places like city parks and in other public places overseen by government agencies.

 

San Francisco, California-based Meraki had in fact unveiled the device last year but put the shipments on hold following complaints about the battery used in the device.

 

Now, Meraki says, the device is powered by its own solar panel and solar-charged battery. Therefore, the device is an ideal choice for providing Wi-Fi coverage in hard-to-wire areas and also at places that have no easy access to power supplies such as business districts, resorts, rural areas, parks and golf courses.

 

The company says each unit is ready to mount on roofs, walls, poles and anywhere that receives sun exposure.

 

"Meraki Solar is unique because it doesn't require special electrical cabling. Its power source is contained within the solution, so customers can deploy wireless in hard-to-wire areas quickly and without disrupting their businesses," said Sanjit Biswas (News - Alert), Meraki CEO, in a statement.

 

In addition, Meraki offers powerful wireless gateways, access points and repeaters. Once plugged into a power source, Meraki devices immediately talk to each other over the Internet to form a network. Meraki's Web-based management Dashboard ensures that connectivity across the network is optimized.

 

The Meraki Solar unit weighs approximately two pounds and is priced from $848-$1,497, depending on size of solar panel required.

 

From San Francisco in America to villages in India, Meraki networks are in use around the world.

 

 

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