What is mesh topology?

The world has become a global village because of interconnected computer networks that play a pivotal role in facilitating communication and data transfer. These networks have various forms, with each design offering its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. One such network topology is the mesh topology, known for its resilience and reliability. This Answer will take a deep dive into mesh topology, exploring its definition, characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and real-world applications.

Mesh topology

Mesh topology is a type of network architecture where every device or node is connected to every other node in the network. This results in a strong and redundant network topology because every device has a dedicated connection to every other device. The word “mesh” describes the complex network of connections between devices.

Types of mesh topology

Mesh topology has two primary variations: fully meshed networks and partially meshed networks.

• Fully meshed networks: Every device or node in a fully meshed network is connected to every other device directly, producing a network similar to having direct phone lines running between each person in the room. The extensive interconnectedness offers advantages like the highest level of redundancy, which guarantees continuous communication even if a link or node fails. Fully meshed networks are also highly reliable because of the low latency caused by direct connections between devices, which makes them perfect for real-time applications like online gaming and video conferencing. Additionally, these networks are scalable, making it simple to integrate additional devices by creating direct links to already existing nodes. However, it’s crucial to remember that fully meshed networks become exponentially more expensive and difficult to operate in large-scale installations due to the complexity of their cabling and design as the number of nodes increases.

• Partially meshed networks: Unlike fully meshed networks, partial mesh networks balance connection and complexity. The selective interconnection of devices in a partial mesh topology reduces the need for complicated cabling and large physical connections, lowering installation and maintenance costs. This method simplifies network maintenance and configuration, which appeals to medium-sized businesses looking for pragmatic solutions. The redundancy levels of partial mesh networks might not be as high as those of fully meshed networks, but they intentionally place redundancy where needed, ensuring that vital communication paths are dependable without taxing the network. Additionally, partial mesh networks are naturally scalable, enabling expansion without taxing the available infrastructure, just like their fully meshed counterparts.

How does data travel in a meshed network?

Data can move through several paths in a highly redundant, fault-tolerant system created by mesh networks. When a node in a mesh network has to transfer data to another node, it doesn’t rely on a single pathway or a central hub. Instead, the data is divided into packets, and the routing algorithm decides which route should be taken by each packet for transmission depending on various factors such as traffic congestion or distance. The indirect path, e.g., a path containing intermediate nodes, can be used in case of any failure in direct communication between two nodes.

What protocols can be used by mesh topology?

Mesh networks use several protocols to guarantee efficient communication between connected devices. The 802.11s standard, an expansion of the well-known Wi-Fi protocol, is regularly used in wireless mesh networks. In wired mesh networks, protocols like Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) can be used to identify the most effective paths for data transmission within the network. The 802.11s enables devices to form a mesh topology by establishing peer-to-peer connections, allowing data to hop from one node to another until it reaches its intended destination. The Ad-hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing system is also appropriate for mobile ad hoc mesh networks where nodes dynamically create and maintain connections as they move.

Characteristics of mesh topology

There are a few characteristics of mesh topology:

• Redundancy: Mesh topology offers a high level of redundancy. There are always backup paths available for data if one link or node fails. This redundancy ensures network dependability by reducing the possibility of data loss or network outages.

• Scalability: Mesh networks have excellent scalability. The network can readily accommodate new hardware or nodes without affecting their connections. Mesh topology is suitable for small and big networks due to its scalability.

• Reliability: Mesh topology is one of the most dependable network architectures because of its redundancy. It ensures that the network can still operate despite several failures.

• High bandwidth: Mesh networks, which have numerous channels for data transmission, can provide high bandwidth. This makes them ideal for applications that require a lot of data transfer, such as video streaming or large-scale data processing.

• Security: Mesh topology can provide enhanced security as data can be encrypted and secured at various points within the network. The variety of entry sites makes it harder for unauthorized access.

Advantages of mesh topology

There are a few advantages of mesh topology, as mentioned below:

• Fault tolerance: Mesh networks are incredibly fault-tolerant. If one link or device fails, data can simply follow a different channel, ensuring minimum disturbance.

• Self-healing: Mesh topology’s self-healing ability produces a very reliable network. It’s appropriate for mission-critical applications where downtime is not tolerated.

• High performance: Mesh networks demonstrate great performance because there are numerous channels for data to travel, which results in less congestion and faster data transfer.

Disadvantages of mesh topology

Like every other network topology, a mesh network has its pros and cons. Some of its disadvantages are mentioned below:

• Complexity: An increasingly large number of devices makes mesh network setup and management challenging and complex.

• Cost: Mesh topology might be more expensive to construct since it needs more network hardware and cabling than other topologies, like a bus or star.

• Maintenance: A mesh network has many connections, making ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting difficult.

• Resource intensive: The redundancy and high bandwidth come at the cost of using more resources, such as cables and switches.

Real-world applications

• Aircraft communication: Mesh networks are used for in-flight communication systems on aircraft. Redundancy is crucial to ensure continuous communication with ground stations.

• Military networks: Due to its dependability and robustness, mesh topology is frequently utilized in military communication networks. Data can still find alternate routes to reach its destination even when a network is disrupted by hostile activity.

Other than these applications, some very well-known companies use mesh networks, such as Google; its mesh network Wi-Fi systems include Google Nest Wifi Pro, Nest Wifi, and Google Wifi. Mesh networking has also been incorporated by businesses like Apple, with its HomePod and HomeKit ecosystem, and Samsung, with its SmartThings platform, to improve connectivity in smart homes. These tech giants prioritize the easy control of lighting, thermostats, and security systems by IoT devices with the help of mesh networking.

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To conclude, mesh topology is a strong and dependable network distinguished by its redundancy, fault tolerance, and scalability. Although it has many benefits, including high reliability and improved security, it also has drawbacks, including complexity and greater expenses.