Mesh Network Topology: Pros and Cons

In the mesh networking topology devices and computers are arranged in a manner that they interconnect with each other. The system enables transmission within the network even if one of the nodes is unable to participate in networking due to breakdown.

The mesh network topology is available in two types and users therefore, have the option of either settling with the full or the partial mesh topology. The difference between the two is that the full mesh topology has all the computers connected, while the partial mesh topology has only two computers with connections to multiple devices.

With the partial mesh topology, you have two dependable primary connections meaning that your network will still run if one of the computers breaks down. Mesh topology is best when used for wireless networking, because each of the nodes in the network is connected to other nodes, at least more than one thus facilitating easy exchange of information between the nodes.

Pros of Mesh Topology

Device accommodation

A mesh topology provides a system where multiple devices are connected and can be able to transmit and receive data simultaneously. The above then means that a mesh topology can effectively handle high amounts of traffic with zero or minimal hitches.

Users can also add other devices to the mesh network without interfering with the ongoing data transmission.  Additionally, if one of the devices within the network breaks down then the transmission will not be interrupted.

Obliterates dead zones

A mesh topology ensures that devices positioned in the different rooms or areas within your office enjoy faster connectivity when sending or receiving information, more especially when compared to the single point of access.

Flexibility

Using a mesh network topology allows for the addition of nodes to specific areas of the home, you might, therefore, have realized that in certain areas of your home, the connection tends to drop restricting you from accessing the internet. There is also the option of incorporating message transfers, and then proceed to customize via the companion that can be easily accessed on your Smartphone.

Enhanced information security

The lack of a centralized authority predisposes the user to a secure mode of communication, so while incorporating security software will keep intruders at bay, running a firewall in this system is not necessary simply because each of the nodes, operate under the same authority when moving information from the creator to the recipient.

The Network is scalable

The mesh network topology allows users to add other external devices at one point and this includes the printers, and laptops, which will automatically connect to your network. In essence, therefore, is that you can change the size of your network without investing in a new router, and have the ability to customize your network from different locations.

Easy range addition

Now if you want fast delivery of messages over your network, you just need to add a range to the mesh topology network by connecting the nodes to the gateways which will transmit messages to the rest of the network.

Cons of a Mesh Topology

Difficult setup and maintenance procedure

Set up of the mesh topology is not the easiest of procedures, as you will have to ensure that all the access points are connected to an SSID. You also have to ensure that all the access points use the same channel, and here users are advised to refrain from using the Auto channel and therefore, set a non-DFS channel that is sure to obliterate connectivity issues during the creation of a mesh network.

High Initial set up cost

It is estimated that an effective mesh networking kit can cost up to $200, the above is not inclusive of the add-on satellites that come at a cost of either $100 or $200. Below is a breakdown of the mesh network setup, you will need varied hardware, which consists of high-quality routers, and to effectively cover every area of your layout some routers will have to be mounted outside, necessitating the need for a mounting equipment.

The construction of the latter will be in relation to the weather in your area, you will also have to pay for internet bandwidth, and for this option, you might have to settle with the highest package, which is also expensive but which will maintain a decent speed for all the users. Cabling is also a necessity in the mesh set up and you will, therefore, have to invest in an Ethernet cable necessary for the rooftop mesh nodes.

High Redundancy

The wireless mesh topologies are available in two types, the partial and full mesh network; of the two the latter has been determined to offer the greatest redundancy, meaning that if one of the nodes breaks down, traffic is automatically directed to the other existing nodes. Partial mesh, on the other hand, turns out to be less expensive when it comes to implementation and offers less redundancy at least when compared to the full mesh topology.

High power consumption

In a mesh topology, the nodes perform two functions that of a router and an endpoint, the workload is clearly too much and which requires more power than normal for them to operate. You can, therefore, escape this problem by wiring the devices directly to the electrical system.

Another problem is using nodes that operate with batteries, for the latter; there is every possibility that battery life will undermine the quality of the network. Reliability is likely to become an issue in such a situation causing communication breakdown, users will also be exposed to an increased routing overhead if the device goes low on its power source.

In Conclusion

Full mesh has been determined to be effective for the backbone networks, while the partial mesh topology is mostly found in the peripheral networks, with connections to the full meshed backbone. The type of mesh network topology that you, therefore, decide to settle with will go hand in hand with your needs more especially the space that you need to be covered. So, for as much as the partial mesh network is less expensive to implement, your needs are primary to settling with a suitable mesh network.