Motorola yesterday announced a deal to acquire wireless application developer MeshNetworks for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition, which is subject to various customary conditions and approvals, is expected to close by the end of the year.

The deal will allow Motorola to extend its broadness wireless technology profile by taking advantage of MeshNetworks' mobile mesh networking and position location technologies and products. Motorola reckons the technology will find a home in everywhere from the enterprise to cars and home entertainment applications. MeshNetwork said its applications allow users of mobile communications devices to "create their own self-forming and self-healing broadband networks" without any existing network infrastructure. "The technology also enables network operators to move beyond the limitations of 'hotspots' that typically restrict wireless service to within 300 feet [90 metres] of an access point, and instead build 'hot zones' that offer continuous outdoor coverage over large metropolitan areas," it added.

The two companies are already well known to one another. Moto already licenses MeshNetworks MeshConnex software for 802.11 wireless LANs and distributes their MeshNetworks Enabled Architecture product line through its direct sales and re-seller network. Motorola Ventures, Moto's investment arm, is an investor in MeshNetworks. ®

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