What is Mesh Network Topology?

One of the most important network topologies is the mesh network, which connects devices with a plethora of interconnections.

Mesh networks are generally configured as a large, distributed, ad hoc network of wireless communication devices.

The mesh network provides several advantages, such as increased coverage and greater redundancy. For example, the mesh network uses multiple hops between any two nodes to ensure communication between any two nodes in the network.

In this way, a path between any two nodes in the network is available to transmit information between the nodes. In addition, a single node can be used to relay information between other nodes, thereby providing a “backbone” for the network.

What is the Mechanism Through which Mesh Topologies Function?

Besides simply relaying data from one node to another, mesh networks can also “advertise” the existence of a connection between two nodes.

For example, a mesh network can advertise that it has a connection to a specific node (e.g., by broadcasting a packet containing the node’s address).

In this way, the node can use the connection to communicate with other nodes in the network.

The routing table is predicated on the premise that nodes communicate directly outside the base station.  Routing tables consist of the following elements:

Source identifier

The source identifier is the MAC address of the source node sending the packet.

Destination identifier

The destination identifier uniquely identifies the destination node of the packet.

Source sequence number

The source sequence number is a counter incremented each time the source node sends a packet. It is included in the MAC header.

Destination sequence number

The destination sequence number is the packet’s sequence number that the node is transmitting to.

What Are The Benefits Of Mesh Networking Topology?

Following is a list of the top benefits of using mesh networking:

Coverage

Mesh networks offer more coverage than cellular networks.

Because the mesh network can use multiple hops to reach a node, it provides coverage where a single base station does not. In addition, because mesh networks are ad hoc networks, they can also provide coverage where a cellular network cannot.

Redundancy

Mesh networks are generally more redundant than cellular networks. A single base station can be too far away for a node to reach. However, the node can still communicate with the base station.

Cost

Mesh networks are typically more cost-effective than cellular networks. In addition, mesh networks do not require the expense of infrastructure.

Scalability

Mesh networks are predominantly more scalable than cellular networks. The mesh network can be configured to expand as needed.

Energy Savings

Mesh networks are often more energy-efficient than cellular networks. Because mesh networks are ad hoc networks, they can have a higher density of nodes than cellular networks.

Types Of Mesh Topology

There are two types of mesh topologies:

1. Wired

In this type of mesh topology, the nodes are connected via wire or fiber. For example, the wired topology uses a wired Ethernet connection between the nodes.

2. Wireless

The wireless topology uses a wireless connection between the nodes. For example, the wireless topology uses a wireless 802.11 connection between the nodes.

Full Mesh vs. Partial Mesh Topology

In a complete mesh network architecture, each node is linked directly to each other node on the system. There are just a few direct connections between nodes in a partial mesh architecture. Certain situations necessitate that a node travels via another node before reaching its final destination.

Forwarding vs. Adjacent Mesh

Forwarding is the process of forwarding a packet from one node to another.

Forwarding is used in a partial mesh network to send packets to another node. For example, a packet can be forwarded from node A to node B, node B to node C, and so on.

In an adjacent mesh topology, a node can have multiple connections to other nodes. In this case, the node forwards packets to multiple nodes.

Is There a Difference Between a Mesh Network And Wi-Fi?

Undoubtedly, the two technologies are entirely different.

However, Wi-Fi is an example of a mesh network. However, it is not a complete mesh network. It uses a point-to-point topology.

This means that there is a single direct connection between each node.

Vendors of Mesh Networks and Their Goods

1. Netgear Orbi AC3000 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi System

The Netgear Orbi AC3000 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi System is a mesh Wi-Fi system. It includes three wireless mesh access points and a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless band for each access point. It is a Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi system.

2. Asus Zen Wi-Fi AX

The Asus Zen WiFi AX is a Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi system. It includes a single wireless access point that is connected to a router.

3. Google Nest Wi-Fi

An 11ac-based mesh network for the house. There are no anti-malware applications or USB ports included in this device, which has a Google Assistant integrated with it.

Conclusion

Technology is advancing every day, and so is the need for a reliable and cost-effective way to communicate. A mesh network can be the perfect solution for your home or business.

In the coming years, we will see mesh networks becoming the dominant way to communicate. It is easy to forget that mesh networks are just as new as Wi-Fi.

However, mesh networks are the next step in wireless networking.

Mesh networks are superior to cellular networks because they are more cost-effective, more scalable, and more energy-efficient.