Mesh Topology: Definition, Types, Advantages & Disadvantages
In this post, we are going to discuss all about Mesh topology along with its types, advantages, and disadvantages.
What is a Mesh Topology?
Briefly, mesh topology is one of the types of topologies that has a mesh layout, or a network structure where each computer or node and network device is interconnected with one another.
In this topology, each node transfers data (send and receive) and helps in data communication. This topology is commonly used for wireless networks.
In short, a network in which there are multiple network links between computers to provide multiple paths for data to travel.
Quick Facts About:
- No central point of communication/ central switch, hub, or computer to pass on the messages.
- Point to point connection to every device on the computer.
- If one transmission cable lines fail, there is always an alternative path to get the message and passing towards its final destination.
- Generally, wireless mesh network topology used in the
- Military areas to avoid breakdowns in communication.
- In cities, to help monitor traffic flow, sewage treatment and to help control street lighting.
- To ensure reliable communication in emergency services such as police, fire services, traffic rerouting in emergencies, etc.
- Some gas and electric provide companies to use mesh networks to allow smart meters to send readings automatically.
Related Post:
- Ring Topology: How it Work, Advantages & Disadvantages
- What is Network Infrastructure – How to Set up & Advantages
Types of Mesh Topology
The following are two types of mesh topologies:
Full Mesh Topology
In this type of mesh topology, each computer or node is interconnected to each or every other computer/ node in that network. With this, message transfer along many individual routes.
You can easily calculate the number of connections in this network using the following formula: n(n-1)/2, where ‘n’ is the number of computers in the network.
Partial Mesh Topology
In this type of mesh topology, each computer/ node in the network is not fully connected with each other. With this, a few or at least two of the nodes/ computers in the network have connections to multiple other computers.
So, even if one of the connections in the network fails, there is no effect on the rest of the network and the whole system continues to operate normally.
Advantages of Mesh Topology
These are the following advantages of mesh network topology:
- As data travels or transmits in multiple paths, it is easy to manage high traffic. Therefore many possible routes are available on which the data reach its destination at the same time.
- Without any interruption, it is easy to manage, whenever you added a new node with the other nodes in this network.
- Highly robust, if one node fails to work it doesn’t affect or cause a break or abruption in the transmission of data in the network.
- This network design does not require any kind of central device or a centralized control system to operate.
Disadvantages of Mesh Topology
These are the following disadvantages of mesh network topology:
- Complex wiring and poor scalability.
- Installation and reconfiguration are difficult in mesh topology as compared with other topologies types.
- It is quite expensive due to its extensive cabling requirement.
- A lot of maintenance is required as it is difficult and time-consuming.
With this, our topic of Mesh topology ends. If you want to know more about ring topology, you can click here, otherwise, we have a lot of other informative articles in computer and technology.
