Implementation of Multi-Hop Mesh Networking Using ESP32 for IoT Communication

Today, the demand for reliable and efficient communication systems is more critical than ever, especially with the rapid growth of IoT applications. In this paper, we propose the implementation of a multi-hop network using ESP32 modules, aiming to address the challenges of long-range communication while maintaining stable data transmission. The network design consists of several ESP32 devices placed at various distances to simulate a real-world scenario where connectivity can be challenged by distance and environmental factors. We also incorporated antennas into the setup to enhance the transmission power and ensure reliable communication across multiple hops. Our experimental results show that multi-hop networks, which consist of four hops, achieve a maximum data rate of 13 Mbps and a minimum data rate of 5.9 Mbps. These results demonstrate the network's ability to maintain consistent performance even as the data travels through multiple relays. Additionally, the network successfully covered a distance of up to 198 meters, proving the feasibility of using ESP32-based multi-hop networks in large-scale IoT deployments. The findings of this study are particularly valuable for IoT applications in areas such as agriculture, manufacturing, and smart cities. In these sectors, where devices often need to communicate over long distances or in environments with obstacles, the multi-hop network can provide a reliable communication solution. By extending the range of the ESP32, this work opens new possibilities for building scalable, efficient, and robust IoT networks capable of handling large volumes of data in diverse environments.