Polling in a P-MP Outdoor Network

RouterOS Beginner Basics
1

Normally, 802.11 devices operate in CSMA mode. This is fine for indoor networks where the clients see each others signals. But outdoors it is a disaster, especially when the many remote clients are streaming IP video. In this case, the clients do not see each other and Hidden Node and Near-Far issues (where the Near unit gets most of the access) make a video surveillance system unworkable. Too many lost packets caused video break-up.

Polling is one of the ways to fix this problem. Like Proxim uses in their WORP protocol and Karlnet used to use in the TurboCell protocol. Alavrion also has radios that poll.

QUESTION:
Does the Mikrotik OS support a wireless polling protocol? Has anyone have experience with it? Thanks!

2

Yes, the Mikrotik ROS support wireless polling via its Nstreme protocol. This is a proprietary protocol which is not compatible with other vendor’s implementation.

3

This is good. Thanks. Can you (or anyone else) point me to some documentation and/or application notes on how to configure and implement this polling protocol?

Has anyone actually implemented it? How well does it work? Thanks.

4

It works fantastically, search the forums for more info.