With the increasing popularity and rising demand for high - rate wireless Internet access , traditional wireless access networks such as cellular network and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) are facing some challenges . The Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) is emerging as a flexible and low- cost alternative to provide multi- hop communications , supporting applications such as last- mile Internet delivery. The WMN has also become a promising technology in the merging of wireless networks . Some key technologies for the WMN networking , including network configuration , power control, mobility management, access control, and routing protocols , are analyzed ; the routing protocol design in WMN and mobile Ad hoc network are compared . An example of WMN testbed based on WLAN and second - layer switching technology is given .