What is Mesh Network Topology in Computer Network?

There have been many computer network arrangements one of which is Mesh Topology. Every device involved in a Mesh Network Topology is physically connected to every other device. Thus message can be sent directly from the sending computer to the receiving computer as the computers are physically linked through a communication medium. The message can be sent on various paths. Most often; a mesh topology is used in Wide Area Network (WAN). Some of the Local Area Networks (LAN) also use mesh network topology otherwise mesh topology is not very popular in LANs.

Working of a Mesh Topology

Unlike other network topologies such as star topology, ring topology and bus topology, in which all computers are not connected physically to each other; mesh topology facilitate the network users by connecting all computers physically through a communication medium. In a star network topology; all devices are connected to a central hub; whereas in a bus topology; all computers in the network have a connection with the backbone cable known as bus. Thus computers in these network topologies use to interact with each other through the central hub and backbone cable. However mesh topology facilitate users to directly interact with each other because of direct physical connections.

Advantages of mesh topology

Dedicated connections:

As each computer in mesh network topology has dedicated connections with other connected computers, the network won't face any trouble in carrying data load. Thus networks with mesh topology can easily withstand the traffic issues.

Easy to troubleshoot:

Mesh topology is one of those computer network topologies that are found very easy to troubleshoot. In a mesh topology; if one link becomes unstable, the entire network system is not harmed.

Disadvantages of mesh topology

Expensive network:

Due to extensive utilization of cables, mesh topology can costs higher in comparison with other computer network topologies.

Difficult installation:

A very complex network set up is established with a mesh topology as computers in this type of network topology are connected to every other computer. Thus it’s very difficult to install a mesh topology.

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• Bus Topology in Computer Network
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• What is Tree Network Topology?
• What is Ring Network Topology?