The amateur radio community has recognized the benefits of using inexpensive commercial :abbr:`WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider)` radios to create AREDN |trade| networks. Each of these devices come with the vendor's firmware pre-installed, but by following a few simple steps this firmware can be replaced with an AREDN |trade| firmware image.
Several open source software projects have been adapted and enhanced to create the AREDN |trade| firmware, including OpenWRT (Open Wireless Router) and OLSR (Optimized Link State Routing protocol).
The AREDN |trade| team builds specific firmware images tailored to each type of radio, and the current list of supported devices is found on the AREDN |trade| website. For a complete list of all supported hardware, including both Stable Release and Nightly Build firmware, refer to the Supported Devices list.
When selecting a device for your AREDN |trade| hardware there are several things to consider in your decision.
- Radios should be purchased for the specific frequency band on which they will operate. Currently AREDN |trade| supports devices which operate in several bands. Check the frequency and channel chart on the AREDN |trade| website for the latest information.
- Many devices have an integrated dual-polarity :abbr:`MIMO (Multiple Input-Multiple Output)` antenna which helps to leverage multipath propagation. AREDN |trade| has always supported and recommended using MIMO hardware, since these devices typically outperform single chain radios when used as mesh nodes.
- Radios can be purchased separately from the antenna, so it is possible to have more than one antenna option for a radio in order to optimize AREDN |trade| nodes for varying deployment conditions.
- Costs of devices range from $25 to several hundred dollars for a complete node/antenna system, so there are many options even for the budget-conscious operator.
- Some older or lower cost devices have a limited amount of onboard memory, but firmware images continue to grow in size and functionality. Consider purchasing a device with more memory over one with less memory.
- Check the maximum power output of the device, since some devices have lower power capabilities.
One of the best sources of detailed hardware information is a manufacturer's datasheet, usually available for download from the manufacturer's website. Currently AREDN |trade| supports dozens of device models from manufacturers including GL-iNet, Mikrotik, TP-LINK, and Ubiquiti Networks.
If you are just getting started with AREDN |trade| you can easily begin with one of the low-cost devices that comes with an integrated antenna and a :abbr:`PoE (Power over Ethernet)` unit. If you are expanding your AREDN |trade| network with more sophisticated equipment, you may choose a standalone radio attached to a high-gain antenna.
Note
See the Network Design Guide for more information about constructing robust mesh networks.