What is Mesh Topology?

Have you ever wondered how devices in a computer network can communicate with each other and transmit data? The answer is network topology. Network topology refers to the arrangement of cables, nodes, and other components that make up the network. One of the most common types of network topology is the Mesh Topology. In this type of topology, nodes on a network are interconnected to one or more nodes directly, forming a mesh-like structure.

What is Mesh Topology?

Mesh topology is a network design in which each node (computer, device, or switch) is directly connected to every other node in the network. This interconnected design ensures that data can travel through multiple paths, not just one. Because of this, data can take the shortest, easiest, or most efficient route to reach its intended destination. If one path becomes obstructed or fails, the data packet can be directed to another path, ensuring continuous and robust communication.

Mesh networks are often used in wireless network designs, especially in wireless sensor networks, community and city-wide Wi-Fi deployments, and some ad-hoc mobile networks.

How does it work?​

By utilizing a technique known as ad hoc on-demand distance vectoring, radios may spontaneously arrange themselves in many mesh networks. To generate some of the routes and designate nodes to fill certain roles, such as end nodes or repeaters, the creator of this reactive protocol uses some proactive routing features. In plain English, an endpoint serves not only as a source and a destination for data but also as a relay point.

Mesh topologies often rely on a routing table, which instructs each node on how to connect with the access point and where to send any incoming data. The routing table makes the assumption that the only nodes in the network that may directly communicate are those that have a route to the access point. If you don’t know the path, you convey the message to someone who does; otherwise, it’s like a large game of telephone.

Mesh topologies either route data or flood it to function. In a mesh network, when a message is routed, it follows a predetermined course while hopping from node to node until it reaches its target. The network must be connected and configured regularly to create these routes and guarantee that there are open paths. To generate route tables, it must continuously search for broken pathways and develop self-healing algorithms. Mesh networks are less effective than star networks since there is a lot of layer two (MAC) data traveling on the network to build this route.

The data flows constantly throughout the network in a simpler mesh network that employs a flood strategy. A module simply collects data containing its address if it is there. This works because of the time to live (TTL) parameter, which restricts the number of hops that messages may go through the mesh before being deleted.

What are the different types of Mesh Topology?

There are two types of Mesh topology:

• Full Mesh Topology: In this type, every node (computer, router, switch, etc.) in the network is connected to every other node. If there are n nodes, each node will have an n-1 number of connections.

To calculate the total number of connections, you can use this formula: n(n-1)/2. If there are ten nodes, the total number of connections will be: 10(10-1)/2 = 45.

This design ensures that data can be routed through multiple alternative paths to reach its destination if a single connection fails.

• Partial Mesh Topology: In this type, every node in the network may not be connected to every other node. Compared to full mesh topology, it is less costly and provides basic redundancy to control the failure of any nodes. The partial mesh topology is used in peripheral networks that work with a full mesh backbone in tandem.

Advantages of Mesh Topology

• Mesh topology is best for handling high-quality traffic.
• It is best to transmit data easily.
• Failure of one network won’t impact the entire network.
• You are free to add additional devices, and it doesn’t interrupt data between other devices.
• Mesh topology has robust features and is easy to use.
• Mesh doesn’t have a centralized authority.

Disadvantages of Mesh Topology

• It is an expensive topology compared to the other topology networks
• The installation process is quite daunting
• High risk of redundant connections
• Each node may require utility cost
• Challenging maintenance needs

Applications of Mesh Topology

Below mentioned are some of the applications of Mesh Topology:

• Wireless Networks: Many homes and small office spaces use Mesh Wifi System for better internet coverage and connectivity.
• Industrial and Manufacturing Networks: Many industries use mesh topology to control machinery, ensuring better productivity.
• Smart Homes: Some advanced homes also use mesh topology for connecting home appliances like smart lights, security systems, etc.
• Military Communication: Mesh Topology is used in Military Purposes as if one connection fails, then there is always a chance of another connection.

Conclusion

Mesh topology offers a robust and flexible network design that provides redundancy, fault tolerance, and scalability. It ensures uninterrupted communication by establishing multiple paths between devices, allowing data to be rerouted in case of failures. While mesh topology has advantages such as high reliability and data transfer efficiency, it also comes with challenges including cost, complexity, and potential traffic overhead. It is particularly suitable for critical applications where continuous connectivity is vital.