Development of a Simulated Portable Mesh Network via ESP8266-Based Devices with Utility Application Dennis A. Martillano College of Computer and Information Science, Malayan Colleges Laguna, Pulo Diezmo, Cabuyao City Laguna 4025, Philippines Email: damartillano@mcl.edu.ph John Patrick M. Asiddao, Roy Carlos B. Dupaya, Ken Brian B. Lavina, and Patricia Alexandra A. Sy Malayan Colleges Laguna, Pulo Diezmo, Cabuyao City Laguna 4025, Philippines Email: jpmasiddao@live.mcl.edu.ph, rcbdupaya@live.mcl.edu.ph, kbblavia@live.mcl.edu.ph, paasy@live.mcl.edu.ph Abstract—Mesh network is very effective for node-to-node communications. In networks that require and demand devices for home monitoring and control, uncommon topology like Mesh is viewed to have a more effective advantage. However, when it comes to networks, Mesh Network is almost left untouched in most studies simply due to the existing network solutions such as WLAN or Bluetooth. The existence of low-powered WPAN devices fill the demand in integrating devices into mesh networks. However, constant configuration could be very complex and difficult for a mesh using existing WPAN devices since nodes constantly move in and out dynamically in the mesh network. This study focused on the development of a simulated mesh network through ESP8266 enabled devices to deliver a straightforward setup and portable connectivity. The study also developed a utility application that integrates an algorithm for node network operations, and a facility that keeps track of mesh network information including delays, node connections, and data transmission. Three(3) portable ESP8266 devices were used and configured in the study. The devices were integrated in a simulated mesh network and subjected to network processes including identity tagging, dynamic connection, routing, One- way Delay and Payload Size Tests. Results of One-Way Delay and Payload Size Tests indicate consistency of transmission and receiving of data of nodes connecting and disconnecting to the simulated network. This can be used as basis in extending further into more high-end nodes like handheld devices and even computers. Similarly, the utilization of dedicated algorithm for Mesh in this study proved that portability can be achieved to avoid loss of connection when nodes abruptly fail in the network. Index Terms—Mesh network, internet of things, WPAN Devices, ESP8266, payload size I. INTRODUCTION Wireless mesh network is being applied to various types of wireless technology and networks to allow devices to send data to each node without the use of network cables. Devices such as IEEE Zigbee, Digi Xbee, WiFi, and Bluetooth are some of these devices. However, some of these devices are very tedious to be configured since they require a third-party software [1]. These processes are usually being done repeatedly for every use, and these devices can only perform up to their specification, which may not be advantageous to nodes that move in and out of the network dynamically [2]. Due to these disadvantages, there is a need to propose a Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) that has the nature of configuring the nodes distributed which makes it advantageous when it comes to range [3]. WPAN devices like Zigbee were designed to handle issues, which also answers the problem of providing low-power consumption for devices but still have the capability to deliver what the device needs. However, devices that act as nodes in a wireless mesh network could be either stationary or mobile and could come from different sets of wireless technologies within the same architecture of a WMN. In mesh, nodes can move, new nodes can be connected and added, and existing nodes might leave or be disconnected to the network as well. As a consequence, factors like dynamic changes in routing paths and delays in message sending can happen, which can be very difficult to configure for existing WPAN devices [2]. To support wireless mesh, integrating the network into a distributed setup through mobile devices via a utility application can be novel innovation utilizing mesh networks [3]. This will allow simulation of network topology and permits tracing and diagram functions to read and process information about the network. There are existing network utility software that provide these features however, they do not specifically cater to a mesh network. Despite the scalability and configuration advantages of mesh networks, massive research on this is not converted to actual deployment, which limits the available resources and utilities that can be used by network specialists. The objective of the study is to develop a simulated mesh network using ESP8266 Modules whilst providing portable connectivity among WiFi devices, which can be used as a new approach of wireless networking for future implementation of the network. Specifically, the study dealt with the following: (1) Development of portable devices using ESP8266, integrated into a microcontroller that feeds ESP8266 configuration data and autoconfigure in a mesh cluster, (2) Designing of painless-mesh based doi:10.12720/jcm.17.5.350-357 350 Journal of Communications vol. 17, no. 5, May 2022 ©2022 Journal of Communications Manuscript received September 15, 2021; revised April 12, 2022.