What type of equipment is commonly used to implement an amateur radio mesh network?

Amateur radio mesh networks, such as the Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN), utilize commercial off-the-shelf wireless routers that have been flashed with custom amateur radio firmware. Because standard Wi-Fi frequencies overlap with amateur microwave bands (such as 2.4 GHz, 3.4 GHz, and 5.8 GHz), licensed hams can legally use this modified commercial gear under Part 97 rules. By installing custom firmware, amateurs bypass standard commercial restrictions, allowing the routers to form self-healing, high-speed IP networks. Licensed operators can also attach high-gain antennas and use higher transmitter power than is allowed for unlicensed Wi-Fi users. Distractors mentioning 1200 or 9600 baud modems on VHF/UHF are incorrect because those refer to older, much slower packet radio technologies, whereas modern mesh networks provide broadband speeds. EchoLink is an internet-linking protocol for voice, not a standalone mesh network infrastructure.