BelAir Networks is now shipping the BelAir50c, an economical and easy-to-install single-radio wireless mesh node. The BelAir50c is a single-radio platform combining Wi-Fi access and wireless mesh backhaul in an environmentally hardened, outdoor enclosure. It can be deployed in distinct mesh clusters for small networks or as coverage extension at the edge of larger mesh networks.

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The BelAir50c integrates seamlessly with the multi-radio BelAir200 and the 2-radio BelAir100 to form a complete, integrated solution for large metro-scale Wi-Fi networks.

According to the company, the BelAir50c offers a low-cost way to build a wireless mesh network for applications, such as public access and emergency services. Networks can be designed for low-cost coverage initially and then upgraded seamlessly into a larger, more complex network as and when needed.

As part of the complete BelAir Networks wide-area Wi-Fi product line, the BelAir50c enables the creation of large carrier-grade wireless local area networks (WLANs). It simplifies network deployment and provides more flexibility in the network design.

The BelAir50c is a single-radio, wireless mesh cluster node that uses 802.11g to support both Wi-Fi client access and wireless backhaul. The BelAir50c uses BelAir's rugged, environmentally hardened design, and includes diversity omni-directional antennas, 100 Mbps Ethernet line interface, Layer 2 switch and a power supply with 2 hr battery backup. Each unit is designed to operate as part of a shared mesh cluster of up to eight nodes.

The BelAir50c automatically discovers other BelAir50c units nearby to create a mesh cluster. Using BelAir's advanced mesh routing protocol, packets are forwarded though the optimal path to the node in the cluster that is supplying the wired or wireless backhaul. The BelAir50c supports multiple SSID and VLAN configurations. The BelAir50c has been shipping since September 2005.