Nortel to test 'Wireless Mesh' in Israel

Nortel Networks said on Monday it received Israeli government approval to perform a test of its "Wireless Mesh" network in the West Bank town of Ariel.

Wireless Mesh networks have a far larger coverage range than typical Wi-Fi wireless Internet hot spots found in many cities, Nortel said.

In Ariel, the network will help with municipal law enforcement, provide video surveillance to limit vandalism, read water meters remotely, allow for wireless data and voice communications between municipal workers and employees at the local university, and provide wireless Internet access for residents.

The network is expected to be up and running within a month and the test should be concluded in one year. Costs were not disclosed.

"This test is another step in the wireless communications revolution through the first demonstration in Israel of wireless coverage in open urban areas as well as advanced wireless services aimed at improving the public's quality of life," said Sorine Lupu, president of Nortel Israel and markets in eastern Europe, in a statement.

The test in Ariel for Wireless Mesh -- which links together multiple access points without the need for cables into a wireless network -- comes after Taipei selected Nortel to provide high-speed wireless broadband access in the Taiwanese capital.