This paper describes results achieved within recently successfully completed EU projects CARMEN (CARrier grade MEsh Networks) and PANLABII (PAN European LABoratory for next generation networks and services). The main contribution of the CARMEN project is the design and prototype of a wireless mesh network that allows quality of service provisioning. Currently, CARMEN functionalities are evaluated using a 9-node mesh testbed. However, thanks to the PANLABII project, which develops a federation platform for independent distributed testbeds, now, CARMEN functions can be tested in various network environments and under different traffic conditions. Through such performance evaluation versatility, it becomes possible to prove the scalability and efficiency of mesh technology for providing broadband services.