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Purpose The purpose of this study is to locally develop low-cost wireless mesh networks for reliable data communications to devices that prevent the theft of these devices in learning institutions of South Africa. Design/methodology/approach A network test-bench was developed where millions of packets were transmitted and logged between interconnected nodes to analyze the quality of the network’s service in a harsh indoor building environment. Similar methodologies in “big data” analysis as found in particle physics were adopted to analyze the network’s performance and reliability. Findings The results from statistical analysis reveal the quality of service between multiple asynchronous transmitting nodes in the network and compared with the wireless technology routing protocol to assess coverage in large geographical areas. The mesh network provides stable data communications between nodes with the exception of reliability degradation in some multi-hopping routes. Conclusions are presented to determine whether the underlining mesh network technology will be deployed to protect devices against theft in educational institutions of South Africa. Research limitations/implications The anti-theft application will focus on proprietary firmware development with a reputable tablet manufacturer to render the device inoperable. Data communications of devices to the network will be monitored and controlled from a central management system. The electronics embedding the system-on-chip will be redesigned and developed using the guidelines stipulated by the chip manufacturer. Originality/value Design and development of low-cost wireless mesh networks to protect tablets against theft in institutions of digitized learning. The work presents performance and reliability metrics of a low-power wireless mesh wireless technology developed in a harsh indoor building environment.

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