Mesh Topology

The basic definition of mesh topology is a build-up network with all of its devices or nodes connected. At Least two nodes would have to be connected to call it a mesh topology. Since all the nodes are connected, they can send and receive messages from each other, thus providing fast and efficient communication within the network and proper data security and privacy. There is no particular sequence or hierarchy in which they must be connected. Mesh topology is used for home automation, track traffic control, etc. Regional Office telephones are also connected wirelessly with the help of mesh topology.

Types of mesh topology

After discussing the definition of mesh topology, we categorise it into two types.

• FULL MESH TOPOLOGY

Here, all the devices are connected in a wired or wireless manner. If the network has n nodes, there will be (n-1) connections accordingly. One advantage of this kind of network is that if one of the nodes breaks down, the work can be distributed among the rest of the nodes. It is always provided with two or more paths. This network is generally hired for network backbones because of its terrific potential to handle redundancy, one of the major reasons behind its high cost.

• PARTIAL MESH TOPOLOGY

In this type, it’s not compulsory that all the nodes will be connected. Some of them might be connected to all the nodes, while the others might be connected to only a few. In this case, if one of the nodes breaks down, the rest of the network continues to function as usual. Since this network does not handle redundancy that well, it costs less than full mesh topology.

Working on Mesh Topology

Discussing the definition of mesh topology leads us to work. It mainly works based on two concepts, namely routing and flooding. 

• Routing

In this mode, data is transferred from the source to the destination in a pre-planned manner, wherein the data packets jump from one node to another. In this mode, all other nodes remain active so that if any issues arise in transmitting signals, the route can be changed to complete the task.

• Flooding

In this mode, data is sent to all the active nodes of the present at that time. If the data packet is addressed to that particular node, it takes it and passes it on. Therefore, it does not demand any routing logic.

Advantages of mesh topology

• SECURITY
  It serves as a safe and secure source for transmitting the data. Even if the system is attacked, the nodes can be removed.
•  STABILITY

One of the best features of mesh topology is that it continues to function properly even after any node breaks down. The data is still transmitted from the source to the destination. There are always two or more paths in the network.

• ADDING NODES

New nodes can be added without disturbing the rest of the network and letting the transmissions carry out without disruption.

• MULTIPLE ROUTES

If any of the nodes break down during the transmission, the path of data packets can be easily changed.

• NO CENTRAL SERVERS

The data is transmitted from one node to another without any centralised system, making the whole transmission process faster.

Disadvantages of mesh topology

• COST

The expenditures in this type of topology are more than in other topologies, thus acting as a barrier to implementation.

• HIGH MAINTENANCE

They are difficult to set up and maintain because of the many connections and nodes needed.

• POWER CONSUMPTION

Since the network demands all the nodes to remain active simultaneously, a huge amount of power is required to run it.

• COMPLEXITY

Since each node in the network has to pose as a router and receive and send messages, it increases the complexity of the network. 

• SPACE REQUIRED

This type of topology requires many nodes, which means there will be various devices and cables, thus needing more space.

Conclusion

The definition of mesh topology discussed above proves its importance. It thus acts as a salient feature for transferring the data from the source to the destination and is considered the most reliable topology. The high cost and high maintenance sometimes pose a major obstacle, but firms with high budgets can afford these services to ensure effective communication and safe and secure data. This is why so many military organisations use this same topology as their source of communication. Though many new technologies have started replacing them, they still prove to be one of the best networks.