Mesh network model for urban area

Abstract

Decreasing population, high crime rate, and limited economic opportunities are all symptoms of urban decline. These characteristics are, unfortunately, evident in major cities and small towns. Local municipalities in these cities and towns with the aid of state and federal government have attempted to reverse urban decline through the traditional approach of urban renewal. Their idea was to create low cost housing to attract people back to urban areas. Their approach has shown mixed results with most attempts having no effect on the deterioration. The goal of this thesis is to propose a higher system approach to answer urban decline through the application of new technology, wireless mesh networks. A wireless mesh network can provide improved security, public safety, new economic opportunities, and a bridge that crosses the digital divide. Married to the appropriate applications, a wireless mesh network creates a business model that is both favorable and sustainable. More importantly, the business model brings about the human capital necessary for urban revitalization.