*Question E2C09:
What type of equipment is commonly used to implement an amateur radio mesh network?*  

*Correct Answer is  C: A wireless router running custom firmware*  

### AI Response: (may contain errors)  

In an amateur radio mesh network, the goal is to create a decentralized network where each node can communicate with others, often using existing wireless technology. Here's why the correct answer is a wireless router running custom firmware:

### Correct Answer: C - A wireless router running custom firmware

- **Explanation**:  
  - **Wireless Routers**: These devices are commonly used in mesh networks because they can be easily modified to support mesh networking protocols.  
  - **Custom Firmware**: By installing custom firmware, such as OpenWRT or AREDN (Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network), the router can be configured to operate on amateur radio frequencies and support mesh networking features.  
  - **Mesh Networking**: This setup allows for dynamic routing and self-healing capabilities, which are essential for a robust mesh network.

### Why Other Choices Are Incorrect:

- **A: A 2-meter VHF transceiver with a 1,200-baud modem**  
  - **Explanation**: While VHF transceivers can be used for data communication, the baud rate is too low for efficient mesh networking. Mesh networks typically require higher data rates to handle the routing and data traffic effectively.

- **B: A computer running EchoLink to provide interface from the radio to the internet**  
  - **Explanation**: EchoLink is a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) application that connects amateur radio stations over the internet. It is not designed for creating mesh networks, which require direct radio-to-radio communication without relying on the internet.

- **D: A 440 MHz transceiver with a 9,600-baud modem**  
  - **Explanation**: Although this setup offers a higher baud rate than option A, it still lacks the flexibility and ease of deployment that a wireless router with custom firmware provides. Mesh networks benefit from the advanced routing capabilities and ease of configuration that routers offer.

### Summary

For implementing an amateur radio mesh network, using a wireless router with custom firmware is the most effective solution due to its ability to handle complex networking tasks and operate on amateur radio frequencies.