ClearMesh Networks

About ClearMesh Networks

ClearMesh Networks specialized in next-generation wireless optical mesh solutions designed to provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional fiber optic networks. The company's core product was the ClearMesh Metro Grid, which utilized infrared-based transceivers to transmit data via light waves, requiring a clear line of sight between installations on rooftops or poles. This approach eliminated the significant expense and logistical challenges associated with digging trenches and laying physical fiber cables.

The business targeted clients requiring high-capacity, reliable wireless networks for various applications. One notable implementation was for the San Diego Westfield UTC shopping center, where the network supported over 155 shops, handling point-of-sale transactions, a public Wi-Fi hot zone, and high-bandwidth video streams from more than 70 surveillance cameras. The business model centered on selling its hardware, the ClearMesh 300 units, and its management software, the ClearMesh Management System (CMS). The CMS provided clients with tools for automatic node discovery, centralized network management, and end-to-end visibility of the mesh topology.

The ClearMesh 300 device featured three network transceivers that could be aimed individually to create a robust mesh of interconnected units, ensuring redundancy through automatic rerouting and failover. A key selling point was the system's ease of installation, featuring auto-tracking to adjust for minor movements and auto signal acquisition to simplify aiming. By operating in a license-free spectrum, the technology offered advantages over radio-wave systems, as it was inherently more secure from interception and not susceptible to the same kind of interference.