There are different types of network topologies i.e. the star, mesh, bus and ring topologies. For this reasons, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each of these topologies for you to choose which one is best for you. Today, we are going to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of mesh topology.
What is Mesh Topology?
It is a type of network topology where all the nodes of the network pass data or messages throughout the network. All the nodes are connected to each other.
In the mesh topology, messages are passed through a flooding technique or a routing technique. When it comes to the routing technique, messages are propagated along a specific path where it hops from one node to another until it reaches its destination.
There are two kinds of mesh topologies:
- Partially connected mesh topology
- Fully connected mesh topology
With the fully connected mesh topology, all the network nodes are connected to each other. Whereas the partially connected mesh topology is where not all the nodes are connected to each other.
Advantages of mesh topology
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- It is robust.
What this means is that when one node fails other nodes are fully functional so is the network. Therefore, there will be no need to bring down the whole network. The network is able to heal itself around the faulty nodes as long as other nodes can support the network.
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- It is scalable
This topology is considered highly scalable. It gives room for the addition of another node within the network without affecting its functionality. This will improve the network’s capability to handle more traffic. On top of that, there is no need to add any router to the network since each node acts as a router.
Other advantages include; easy fault diagnosis, enhanced security and privacy, and fast relay of data.
Disadvantages of mesh topology
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- Very Complex
Mesh topology is very complex to plan and build. This also makes its planning and building process time consuming and every detail needs to be perfect for it to be fully functional. It requires constant and continuous supervision because of the high redundancy levels. Therefore there is need to hire well-trained and skilled network administrators.
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- It is costly
This topology requires multiple devices and network connection equipment that are very costly. On top of that, building and maintaining this kind of network may prove very expensive.
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- Consumes a lot of power
Because of the multiple devices connected together as network nodes, keeping this network up and running will require a lot of power supply. This will also turn out to increase the cost of the whole network.
If you have something else on advantages and disadvantages of a mesh topology, let us know in comments below.
