Bangalore: Mesh networking, a new form of Internet which is completely wireless, helps people during disasters and is considered to be hack proof. Mesh networks are now being used in countries like Detroit, Barcelona, Berlin, Vienna, and the U.S.

A group of academicians and computer experts who took part in the uprising to over throw the Tunasian government three years ago, have helped in making their town become a centre of a physically separate, local network, made up of cleverly programmed antennas scattered around on roof tops.

In Sayada, Tunisia mesh network is scattered all around the Town and the people using the network have access to the local server comprising of Wikipedia in French and Arabic, Town maps, about 2500 free books in French and an app for chatting and secure file sharing.

Mesh networking was developed to assist people when disasters like hurricanes occur. People can communicate easily and securely even during a catastrophe. As it is hack proof, it secures personal data, thus keeping personal information safe even from the National Security Agency (which was allegedly involved in snooping and spying on people and their personal data as described in the document leaked by the former contractor Edward Snowden).

The advantage of using mesh network is that it is completely wireless when compared to the Internet and it is easy to setup as well.  In order to setup a mesh network, wireless routers equipped with special software, are attached to windows, ledges or rooftops. Each router must have an unobstructed view of at least one other router so that the software can create a network of all the hardware, thereby linking each other. A mesh network uses Wi-Fi routers which are 100 times stronger than a normal Wi-Fi. Communication with a person using mesh network is possible only if the hardware is within the range of the Wi-Fi.

Mesh networks secured and easy functionality makes Apples introduce it into its latest mobile operating system iOS7, where it can be used with the help of an app called FireChat.