Overview 

    SMesh runs on any linux distribution with a wireless device that
    supports ad-hoc (ibss) mode. Binaries are currently available for
    x86, mips, and arm processors, and supports wireless routers like
    the Linksys WRT54G family.  SMesh can operate in three modes:

    1. OVERLAY MODE:  Data packets are routed through SMesh process, and 
       protocols like overlay multicast for redundant multipath are
       available for lossless, fast handoff.  In some slow processors like
       in the Linksys WRT54, the bandwidth due to CPU usage is limited
       to a couple of Mbps.  The kernel should have CONFIG_FILTER
       enabled when using this mode (although not required) for better
       performance.

    2. KERNEL SHORTEST PATH MODE:  SMesh manages the network topology and
       the clients, but data packets are routed through the kernel.
       This mode utilizes almost no CPU, and works with unmodified kernel
       in most linux-based systems.  While fast-handoff techniques
       are employed in this mode, overlay multicast is not available,
       which may sometimes result in some loss during handoff.  The full
       speed of the network is attainable in this mode when using low
       cost routers (No CPU limitation).  We recommend using this mode
       by default, before attempting other modes. 

    3. KERNEL REDUNDANT MULTIPATH MODE:  SMesh manages the network
       topology and the clients, and data packets are routed through
       the kernel.  This mode utilizes almost no CPU.  It employs overlay
       multicast inside the mesh through the kernel.  The SMesh iptables
       kernel patch and modules are needed for this mode to work
       (available through our website).  The full speed of the network
       is attainable in this mode when using low cost routers.