1.2 The Mesh Network
The key component of a BreadCrumb Mesh network is the ability for BreadCrumbs to connect, or mesh
with each other. While this is generally handled automatically by BreadCrumbs, complex deployment
scenarios require a basic understanding of how BreadCrumbs establish and maintain a mesh.
1.2.1 Mesh – A Definition
A mesh is a collection of BreadCrumbs (or other network devices), each of which is linked to one or more
other BreadCrumbs. Data can move between BreadCrumbs via these links, possibly passing through
several intermediate BreadCrumbs before arriving at its final destination.
The intelligence of a BreadCrumb network is in how it adapts rapidly to the creation or destruction of the
links in the mesh as devices are moved, switched OFF or ON, blocked by obstructions, interfered with by
other devices, or otherwise affected. This adaptation takes place automatically and immediately as
needed.
1.2.2 BreadCrumb Mesh Connections
In order for two BreadCrumbs to establish a mesh link to each other, they must be set to the same radio
channel and have the same Network ID. The Network ID is computed from:
• Network Name (simply a configurable name for the network, default is “Rajant Mesh Network”)
• Network Key (a passphrase or key used for establishing mesh connections and obfuscating
unencrypted network management traffic)
• Packet cipher setting
• MAC cipher setting
• Per-hop verification setting
• Key Sequence Number (defaults to 0)
To modify these settings via BC|Commander, the administrator must be logged in using the Crypto
Officer credentials.
