[New role idea] Point to Point Transport #1291
Description
Create a new role above the repeater role for point to point transport. This allows for the nodes to fall under a different section of the part 15 rules than 'mesh' networks run under. these noes only ever communicate with each other and no other device wirelessly. This means the transport node could either be fully transparent; like a wireless ethernet bridge (ex. Ubiquiti airMAX bridges). The transport 'bridge' could also be considered one hop itself so direct communication between devices can route packets. This would also give the benefit of operating on different frequencies, coding rates, spreading factors, and bandwidths for long distance, 10+ mile, links, high capacity links, or anywhere in between.
These transport devices would need to communicate with a repeater over serial.
From the Google AI summary:
##Point-to-Point (P2P)
P2P connections involve a dedicated link between two specific locations or devices (e.g., two wireless bridges connecting two buildings).
Antenna Gain Flexibility: In many frequency bands, especially in certain U-NII (Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure) bands, Part 15 rules allow for the use of high-gain directional antennas for fixed, P2P operations.
Power Limits Adjustment: While there are maximum conducted output power limits, if a high-gain directional antenna (greater than 6 dBi) is used, the maximum conducted output power and power spectral density must be reduced by the amount in dB that the directional gain of the antenna exceeds 6 dBi. This ensures that the overall effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) remains within acceptable limits.
Exclusivity Requirement: P2P operations are generally required to be used exclusively for fixed, point-to-point operations, which means they cannot be simultaneously used for omnidirectional or general P2MP applications in the same setup.
##Point-to-Multipoint (P2MP)
P2MP connections involve a central base station communicating with multiple remote stations or client devices, sharing the available bandwidth (e.g., a central antenna providing service to several homes).
Antenna and Power Constraints: P2MP systems are subject to more stringent antenna gain and power limits compared to P2P systems in certain bands.
Maximum Limits: The FCC rules typically specify a maximum transmit power and antenna gain that is not specific to directional vs. omnidirectional use, which generally means high-gain antennas used in P2P are not permitted for a standard P2MP base station. For instance, client devices in the 5.15-5.25 GHz band must not exceed 250 mW conducted output power and an antenna gain of 6 dBi (or reduce power if gain is higher).
Configuration: Devices designed for P2MP will often have different hardware or software configurations to adhere to these limitations, such as a maximum EIRP of +36dBm (4 watts) in the 2.4 GHz band for P2MP configurations.