Mesh Network Topology in Computer Networks

Topology refers to the arrangement of computer networks. Topology is divided into either physical or logical arrangement. Physical topology refers to the way the computers are connected with each other on a network. Logical topology means the way data is flowing from one computer to another computer.

Now, let see the basic definition of computer network topology, it is the schematic description of network arrangements that are connected through various nodes with the help of lines of connection.

The different types of network topology are as follows

• Bus topology
• Ring topology
• STAR topology
• MESH topology
• TREE topology
• Hybrid Topology

Let us understand the concept of MESH topology in computer networks.

Mesh Network Topology

It is a point-to-point connection to all devices. In this arrangement all the network nodes are connected with each other. Generally, for n devices mesh has n(n-1)/2 physical channels.

Techniques Used in Mesh Network Topology

Mesh topology uses two techniques to transmit data over topology. They are as follows

• Mesh Topology Routing Technique In routing, the nodes have routing logic, as per the network requirements. The routing logic directs the data to reach the destination using the shortest distance, or it informs the broken links so that the network will avoid those nodes. The routing helps to reconfigure the failed nodes.

• Mesh Topology Flooding Technique In flooding, the same data is transmitted to all network nodes. Hence, no routing logic is required here. Moreover, in flooding, the network is robust, and it is not interested to lose data, but it leads to unwanted load over the network.

Types of Mesh Network Topology

Now let see the different types of MESH Topology, which are explained below

• Partial Mesh Topology Here, the systems are connected the same as mesh topology but some devices are only connected to two or three devices, that is each device is not connected to all devices, thats why we call it a partial mesh topology.

• Full Mesh Topology Here, each and every node is connected to each other, so that is the reason we used to call it Full mesh topology.

Features of Mesh Network Topology

The features of MESH Topology are as follows

• Fully connected.
• Not flexible.

Advantages of Mesh Network Topology

The advantages of MESH topology are as follows

• Each and every connection can carry its own data load.
• It is robust.
• Fault is identified easily.
• It provides security and privacy.

Disadvantages of Mesh Network Topology

The disadvantages of MESH topology are as follows

• Installation and configuration is difficult.
• Cabling cost is more.
• Bulk wiring is required.