Multilinkjärjestelmien

Multilinkjärjestelmät, often referred to as multilink systems or multi-hop wireless networks, are a type of wireless communication architecture where data can be transmitted across multiple intermediate nodes before reaching its final destination. Instead of a single direct link between a source and a destination, the communication path is broken down into a series of shorter links, each handled by a relay node. This contrasts with single-link systems, which rely on a direct connection, or mesh networks, which often imply more dynamic and self-organizing routing.

The primary advantage of multilink systems is their ability to extend the range of wireless communication significantly. By relaying signals, data can travel beyond the direct transmission capabilities of the source device, overcoming obstacles and increasing overall coverage area. This is particularly useful in scenarios where direct line-of-sight is not possible or where devices are located far apart.

Another benefit is improved network robustness. If one link in the multilink chain fails, data can potentially be rerouted through alternative paths, maintaining connectivity. This distributed nature can enhance reliability. Furthermore, multilink systems can sometimes offer better capacity by allowing concurrent transmissions on different links.

Applications for multilink systems are diverse. They are found in wireless sensor networks, where small, low-power sensors need to communicate over extended areas. They are also utilized in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) and in some forms of wireless backhaul for cellular or Wi-Fi networks. The design and management of multilink systems involve complex routing protocols to efficiently select optimal paths and manage network resources.