Mesh Networking With 802.11s

802.11s is the developing IEEE standard for Wi-Fi based mesh networking. Unlike Wi-Fi networks that require a router (or other access point), a mesh network allows devices to connect with each other directly in an ad hoc mode.

The most notable use of 802.11s technology today is in the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) initiative, where the XO laptop and related hardware utilizes a draft version of 802.11s. Potential advantages of 802.11s mesh networking include hardware cost savings and easier file sharing.
→ See also - IEEE 802.11 Working Group Standards

Mesh Network Topology Diagram - Illustration: Bradley Mitchell / About.com