Platform

TeraHop systems are based upon patented core technology that enables quick deployment of low-cost, extremely long battery life, high-density, wireless networks. This core makes a TeraHop network flexible, fault-tolerant, and capable of adjusting to dynamic asset movement.

Limitation of other technologies

Other ad hoc networks may support point-to-point (node-to-node) communications without central control or the constraints of wires. However, commonly used random-access protocols and the design of radios to support the networks are not well coordinated and often result in sub-optimized network topology and constrained applications. The networks are also limited by the physical proximity of the nodes or by received signal strength.

These factors introduce delays, untimely data, reduced throughput, and increased (and avoidable) transmissions and interference. Plus, as more nodes enter the network, the situation often gets worse. And every added transmission consumes power.

To fix this, wireless device makers typically add more complex routing and management protocols, often following wireline-based Internet models. The additional complexity nearly always requires additional processing at each node to process the protocols, and makes the network more "chatty" in sending messages among nodes to put the routing into effect. The added processing and transmissions consume additional battery life, put interference into the air, and consume network throughput just managing the network.

How we're different

TeraHop has patented a networking methodology called class-based networking. Using this methodology, wireless ad hoc hierarchical networks form using transceivers (in the nodes) that have a common class designator.

In TeraHop implementations, each node has a standards-based data transceiver and a separate, low-power wake-up transceiver. Rather than relying on complex routing protocols and incurring the associated penalties, TeraHop uses simple protocols and class-based networking. A class-based network forms among nodes with at least one class designation in common. Nodes must be within radio range of at least one other node of the same class, but other nodes in close proximity not of the same class are ignored.