A surveillance system utilizing a mesh network having a large number of surveillance cameras. A plurality of limited range transceivers in direct or indirect communication with one or more of the cameras are located at a large number of nodes and are in communication with other transceivers in the network and are in communication with a control station. In a preferred embodiment most of the nodes are equipped with three transceivers to provide simultaneous communication with one or more camera and at the same time receive and transmit information from other nodes. This system utilizes a routing protocol that was initially developed for wireless voice-over Internet protocol services to large regions. This preferred system incorporates transceiver chips that enable communications over multiple frequencies and communications protocols. The signals from multiple frequencies are then converted into a digital format for routing to central command and control facilities, which can in turn communicate with mobile nodes. The use of multiple frequencies will enable simultaneous communication from multiple inputs without the bandwidth constraints of Wi-Fi systems that are designed for point-to-point Internet access. In addition, the use of a mesh network also enables redundancy to allow reliable communications even when one node or channel fails and enhanced security due to random channel allocation. The surveillance units may be mounted on light poles including street light poles. The also could be incorporated into light fixtures that are in turn mounted on the light poles.