Mesh Topology

What is a Network Topology

Network topology is the way in which the nodes and the associated links (or connections) in a network is arranged. It can be of many types:

• Star Topology
• Bus Topology
• Ring Topology
• Tree Topology
• Mesh Topology
• Hybrid Topology

What is Mesh Topology

A mesh topology is a network topology (arrangement of nodes in a network) in which each node is individually connected to all or most of the other nodes in the network. It is one of the key network architectures in which nodes are connected with many redundant interconnections between them. This kind of topology allows for most transmissions to be distributed even if one of the connections goes down. In Mesh topology, if any cable or node fails, there are many other ways for two nodes to communicate, making it a reliable network topology. This topology is commonly used for wireless networks. There is no concept of a central hub (as in a Star Topology) nor that of a backbone cable (as in the Bus Topology). Even though they are easy to troubleshoot and offers increased reliability, Mesh networks are expensive to install as they require a lot of cabling. 

Mesh topologies involve the concept of routes. Messages sent on a mesh network can take any of the several possible paths from source to destination. The mesh topology accounts for having highest number of  physical connections per device. Unlike other network topologies, Mesh Topology can be divided as: Fully connected mesh topology and Partially connected mesh topology

Different types of mesh topology

• Fully connected mesh topology 
• Partially connected mesh topology

Fully connected mesh topology 

A mesh network in which every node is connected to each and every other nodes of the network. The number of connections in this network can be calculated using the following formula: n(n-1)/2, where 'n' is the number of nodes. Full mesh is very expensive to implement and yields the greatest amount of redundancy, so in the event that one of those nodes fails, network traffic can be directed to any of the other nodes. Full mesh is usually reserved for backbone networks. 

    Number of connections = n(n-1) /2    

Partially connected mesh topology

A partially connected mesh topology does not have all the nodes connected to each other. At least one of the node in the network will not have connection to all the other nodes of the network. It is an inexpensive way to implement redundancy in a network. If one of the primary computers or connections in the network fails, the rest of the network continues to operate normally.

If any node is not fully connected to all other nodes of the network, then that Mesh Topology can be termed as Partially connected Mesh Topology. With partial mesh, some nodes are organized in a full mesh scheme but others are only connected to one or two nodes in the network. Partial mesh topology is commonly found in peripheral networks connected to a full meshed backbone. It is less expensive to implement and yields less redundancy than full mesh topology.

Advantages of a mesh topology

• Able to manage high amounts of traffic (since multiple devices can transmit data simultaneously)
• A failure of one device does not cause a break in the network
• Adding additional devices does not disrupt data transmission between other devices.
• Increased reliability
• Each connection can carry its own data load
• Robust in nature
• Easy to diagnose
• Provides security and privacy (since point to point connection exists between each pair of nodes)
• Easy of troubleshoot
• Data can be transmitted from different devices simultaneously.
• Even if one of the components fails, there is always an alternative present,
• Expansion and modification in topology can be done without disrupting other nodes.

Disadvantages of a mesh topology

• Overall cost of this network is way too high as compared to other network topologies.
• Building and maintaining the topology is difficult and time consuming.
• The chance of redundant connections is high, which adds to the high costs and potential for reduced efficiency.
• Cabling cost is more and the most in case of a fully connected mesh topology
• Bulk wiring is required
• Installation and configuration are difficult if the connectivity gets more.
• There are high chances of redundancy in many of the network connections.

Implementation of Mesh Topology in Cisco Packet Tracer

Mesh Topology implementation in Cisco Packet Tracer 8.0

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