What is Wirepas Mesh?
Wirepas Mesh is a decentralized wireless networking protocol designed for massive IoT deployments. Unlike traditional star-topology networks (WiFi, Bluetooth LE beacons), every node in a Wirepas mesh can relay data for other nodes, creating a self-forming, self-healing network fabric.
TagFinder is built on Wirepas Mesh because it solves the hardest problem in indoor IoT: reliable, battery-powered coverage across large facilities without running a single cable.
Key Properties
Decentralized
No central coordinator. Every node makes autonomous routing decisions. If one node fails, traffic re-routes automatically.
Self-Healing
The mesh continuously recalculates optimal routes. Add or remove nodes without configuration — the network adapts in seconds.
Ultra-Low Power
Tags run 5+ years on a single CR2477 coin cell. The protocol is optimized for duty-cycled devices that sleep most of the time.
Massive Scale
Wirepas has been deployed at 700,000+ devices in a single network. The protocol was designed for density from day one.
AES-128 Encryption
All traffic is encrypted end-to-end. Network keys rotate. Rogue devices cannot join without provisioning.
No Infrastructure Wiring
Anchors are battery-powered. Deploy an entire floor in an hour. Reposition anytime without electricians.
How It Works in TagFinder
Tags Broadcast Positions
EverTag devices periodically send positioning beacons. Nearby anchors receive these signals and measure RSSI (signal strength).
Data Hops Through the Mesh
Position and sensor data hop from node to node across the mesh until they reach a sink node (gateway). Multi-hop routing means no line-of-sight is needed.
Gateway Uploads to Cloud
LTE gateways collect mesh data and push it to the Wirepas Network Tool (WNT) backend, which TagFinder connects to via WebSocket.
TagFinder Processes & Displays
TagFinder's positioning engine converts RSSI measurements into x/y coordinates on your floor plans. Sensor data (temperature, accelerometer) is stored in TimescaleDB hypertables.
Node Roles
Tag (NRLS / Auto Scan)
End device attached to an asset. Broadcasts positioning beacons and sensor data. Runs on coin cell for 5+ years.
Anchor (Opportunistic)
Fixed reference point with known coordinates. Participates in mesh routing while serving as a positioning reference.
Sink / Gateway
Connects the mesh to the internet. Collects all mesh traffic and forwards it to the cloud backend via LTE.
Why Not WiFi or BLE Beacons?
| Feature | Wirepas Mesh | WiFi RTLS | BLE Beacons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wiring needed | None | PoE / AC | None (battery) |
| Tag battery life | 5+ years | Days (active) | 1-3 years |
| Coverage without LOS | Multi-hop mesh | AP density | Gateway proximity |
| Proven scale | 700,000+ devices | Varies | Hundreds |
| Sensor data | Built-in | Separate devices | Limited |