What is mesh topology advantage?

What is Mesh Topology? Advantages and Disadvantages of Mesh Topology

With the help of mesh topology, we have been able to achieve a full or partial connection. In case of a complete connection, all computers are connected, and we can calculate the number of connections with a specific formula. If there is a partial connection, then at least two of the computers will connect to multiple devices. It is an excellent way to implement primary connections without worrying about any computer failing to operate and disrupting the connection. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of mesh topology.

• Advantages of Mesh Topology
• Disadvantages of Mesh Topology
• Comparison Table for Advantages and Disadvantages of Mesh Topology
• FAQs on Pros and Cons of Mesh Topology for Students

Advantages of Mesh Topology

There are several advantages of Mesh Topology, and learning about these can help you decide how to set up the network and benefit from it.

1. Mesh Topology can manage a high level of traffic: Mesh Topology does not have a hierarchical relationship. Suppose any device is connected to it and attempts to contact any other one by directly taking advantage of the routing ability of the devices. In that case, they will be able to do it.
2. Failure of one single device does not affect thenetwork: Mesh topology is exceptional when it comes to being resistant to problems. Each node of the network receives and translates information. The structure provides its users with a sufficient level of redundancy so that they can keep it running even if some malfunctions occur. If one node goes down, the network has the strength to use the other ones and complete the mesh.
3. Data transmission is consistent since failure in the network does not disrupt the process: Multiple paths for data transmission are available in Mesh Topology. It requires each node to be connected to all the other ones so that the network can create a successful set of ways to operate. As a result, the overall data transmission is more consistent. Furthermore, multiple node failures do not affect the pathway and can still send a message.
4. Adding new devices does not affect data transmission: Mesh Topology’s structure enables users to add new widgets to add new devices without disrupting the messages that were occurring at that time. Since every node is connected, a breakdown in one of the equipment will not disrupt the flow of information.
5. Scalability is simple:Mesh topology does not require additional routers since each node acts as an individual router that allows one to change the size of the network comfortably. Hence, one can easily add new technology to any room in a corporate situation at the current speed of operation temporarily.
6. Easy to add mesh topology:Usually, adding Mesh Topology is easy and goes about without any problem. One needs to connect the nodes to the gateways so that the messages can pass through to the remaining network for it to work. It allows the technology to become self-optimized.
7. Taking down the network is nearly impossible:The modern structure of Mesh Topology in the world means that it is almost impossible to take it down unless there is a global disaster where all the devices we use around the globe get wiped out.
8. There is no need for a centralized authority:Mesh topology does not need to incorporate a centralized control to send data. Hence, one set up an individual-based secure method of communication that lets them have the option to be anonymous if desired. They don’t need to run a firewall or other such software solutions to maintain their privacy.
9. Flexible:The Mesh Topology has immense flexibility due to its partial shortfall option. Therefore, one is not forced to have a complete set of connections for each node, but the network can be built with a partial web to take advantage of the enhanced communication.
10. It can manage a massive volume of data:A network with Mesh Topology can handle a tremendous volume of data compared to traditional systems since it is possible to connect multiple devices at a time and transmit data simultaneously.

Disadvantages of Mesh Topology

Though Mesh Topology has many advantages, there are some disadvantages. Knowing these can help one to understand the flip side of the coin. The disadvantages are as follows.

1. High cost:The cost for implementing Mesh Topology is higher than others due to the requirement of several parts of equipment that is quite extensive. It cannot operate correctly until you have all the hardware, cabling, internet bandwidth, etc., necessary for the installation.
2. Time-consuming to build and maintain:Once it is operational, adding new nodes is simple, but the initial process is complex and time-consuming.
3. High risk of redundant connection:Since Mesh Topology can handle a large number of networks, there is a chance of setting redundant connections.
4. Each node has an increased workload:The nodes have many responsibilities, and each one must act as a router. Hence, the system is very complex.
5. Latency issues:Low power Mesh Topology does not have the processing capacity to handle data transfers in a timely manner. Hence there are plenty of latency issues.

Comparison Table for Advantages and Disadvantages of Mesh Topology

Advantages	Disadvantages
It can manage a high level of traffic when the setup is complete	the cost for implementing Mesh Topology is comparatively higher
Almost impossible to take down	Complex structure
Easy to add new devices	Difficult to set up initially
Scalability is simple	Costly compared to others
Adding new devices does not affect the network	the risk of redundant connections
A malfunction in one device does not disrupt the connection	Latency issues are common.
Consistent data transmission	Each node requires additional costs
No need for central hierarchy	Maintenance is challenging
It is easy to add	Each node has increased workload
Can operate without a complete set of web	More power consumption

Analyzing topics by learning their advantages and disadvantages is an excellent way to obtain knowledge. Knowing about more issues such as this will help to prepare for international competitive exams in lesser time.

FAQ’s on Pros and Cons of Mesh Topology for Students

Question 1.
How can Mesh topology handle high loads?

Answer:
The structure is such that it can efficiently manage traffic effortlessly due to the multiple nodes involved. Since there are various nodes, it can handle a high level of traffic when the setup is complete and correct.

Question 2.
Where can one use Mesh topology?

Answer:
People all around the world still use it though it is one of the oldest forms of networking. Nowadays, home automation needs, HVAC systems, and smart buildings have mesh topology.

Question 3.
Why are the nodes essential for mesh topology?

Answer:
The potential node distribution points in a building or other areas are an essential factor because there aren’t enough nodes, then linkage problems may occur while processing the messages.

Mesh topology

Updated: 11/13/2018 by Computer Hope

A mesh topology is a network setup where each computer and network device is interconnected with one another. This topology setup allows for most transmissions to be distributed even if one of the connections goes down. It is a topology commonly used for wireless networks. Below is a visual example of a simple computer setup on a network using a mesh topology.

• Different types of mesh topology.
• Advantages of a mesh topology.
• Disadvantages of a mesh topology.
• Related information.

Advantages and disadvantages of mesh topology

3 min

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by Junaid Rehman

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What is mesh topology

“A type of network topology in which every node or device is connected to every other node or device in the network”

Every node transfers its data but also receives data from other connected nodes. This type of topology is used in a wireless network and wide area network. All the nodes are directly connected i.e. point-to-point connection is made between every two nodes.

The number of total connections in mesh topology can be calculated as n(n-1)/2. That means if there are 5 nodes then 5(5-1)/2=10. So there are a total of 10 connections if the numbers of nodes are 5.

There is no need for a central computer, hub or switch and all nodes are connected without involving any central device.

Types of mesh topology

There are two types of mesh topology

Full Mesh topology

In a full mesh topology, all nodes/devices are directly connected. The type of redundancy is increased in a full-mesh topology. These types of network topology are used in the backbone network. If there is high traffic between any nodes then other routes are chosen for traffic balancing.

Diagram of Full mesh topology

Every node is connected to n-1 nodes. That means if you have 5 nodes then every node is connected to 4 nodes. Full mesh topology is expensive than partial mesh topology.

Partial Mesh Topology

In a partial mesh topology, every node/device is directly or indirectly connected to each other. This topology is more economic than full mesh topology. It has less redundancy. Partial mesh has fewer routes to travel data across the network.

Diagram of Partial mesh topology

In a partial mesh topology, some nodes are normally connected while other nodes are connected to 1 or 2 devices. If any computer/device fails then other devices are not affected.

Advantages of mesh topology

Some features are mesh topology are:-

Dedicated link: Each connection in this topology is made as a dedicated link and every link can manage its data. Data travel between every node without any traffic problem. Multiple devices can transmit the data simultaneously.

Robust: If any connection between two nodes is lost then it can be recovered by itself. Other traffic cannot be affected if any connection is lost. As there is a point-to-point connection so traffic delay or congestion will not happen and data travel without any issue.

Adding new devices: New devices can be added without disturbing the network traffic. New nodes will not face any issue in data transfer as there are many nodes connected to the new device and data can travel through any route available.

Failure of link: if any link between two nodes is lost then other links will work fine. Suppose computer A is connected to computer B, C and D. If the connection between computer A and computer B is failed then the connection between computer A and computer C and D will still work.

Passing message: Messages can be exchanged between two nodes quickly if the route between the two nodes is short. Messages will go to the target device instantly as there are many routes available.

Privacy and security: As no external device is connected to the network so it has high privacy and security. Only authorized users can use the network. The virus and threating attacks are not possible in this network. Data travels securely in this network.

Fault recovery: Fault can be easily identified in this topology and quickly fixed. As there are dedicated link between every two nodes so the fault can be isolated without any issue.

No centralized control: There is no need for central device/hub/switch and thus no central control needed in the network. Every computer can transfer/receive data without any central administration.

Disadvantages of mesh topology

Some drawbacks of mesh topology are:-

High cables quantity: There are more cables needed to connect to other devices. For example, computer A is connected to 4 other devices so there are 4 input/output ports required and also additional cables are required to make the connection with 4 devices. Similarly, if there are many computers/devices so the number of cables increases.

Time consumption: Maintaining this network requires more time and is difficult to make.

Installation is difficult: If there is any connection left between any of the two nodes then it is difficult to find which connection is missing. Reconnecting two devices is also sometimes difficult.

Redundancy issue: Redundant connections are high in this network and it creates a problem in reducing redundant connections in the network.

Extra hardware required: As there are many direct connections so there is a need for many hardware devices so it becomes expensive to make such a network. Bulk wiring is required that mean additional hardware is needed.

Implementation problem: Full mesh topology is difficult to implement and there is a limited implementation in the network.

Compare to other topologies: This topology is extensive than other topologies like bus topology and star topology. Also, this topology consumes more electric power than other topologies.

Examples of mesh topology

• Telephone regional offices in which every regional office is connected to every other regional office
• It is used in a wide area network
• Military organizations also use this topology
• Electric and gas companies use this topology to check meters automatically
• This topology is also used in wireless network
• Cities often use this topology to check street lights, sewage system and traffic flow
• Police and fire services also use wireless mesh topology for their services

Mesh networks

In a mesh topologythere is no central connection point. Instead, each nodeis connected to at least one other node and usually to more than one. Each node is capable of sending messages to and receiving messages from other nodes. The nodes act as relays, passing on a message towards its final destination.

There are two types of mesh topology:

• full mesh topology
• partial mesh topology

Mesh networks are becoming increasingly popular due to their efficiency.

With a full mesh, each node is directly connected to every other node. This enables a message to be sent along many individual routes.

With a partial mesh, not all nodes are connected directly to each other. A partial mesh therefore has fewer routes for a message to travel along than a full mesh but is simpler to implement.

Wired mesh networkstend to be uncommon, mainly because connecting all nodes to all other nodes is expensive and impractical. However, wireless mesh networks are increasingly being used since it is far simpler and cheaper to connect using radio signals.

What Is Mesh Topology? Advantages And Disadvantages Of Mesh Topology

Short Bytes:Mesh Topology is not so commonly used network topology. But the Mesh topology is still followed in certain circumstances like a point to point connection or all points to all connections etc. We will later see more about this topology in the discussion and article below. It’s the next topic we are discussing in our network tutorial guide.

After coveringbus topology, star topology andring topology under different types of network topologies in the previous articles, the time has come when we move forward to the mesh network topology.