![NetworkTopology-Mesh](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/NetworkTopology-Mesh.svg)
A mesh network is a
local area network
A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area such as a residence, school, laboratory, university campus or office building. By contrast, a wide area network (WAN) not only covers a larger ...
topology
In mathematics, topology (from the Greek language, Greek words , and ) is concerned with the properties of a mathematical object, geometric object that are preserved under Continuous function, continuous Deformation theory, deformations, such ...
in which the infrastructure
node
In general, a node is a localized swelling (a "knot") or a point of intersection (a vertex).
Node may refer to:
In mathematics
*Vertex (graph theory), a vertex in a mathematical graph
*Vertex (geometry), a point where two or more curves, lines, ...
s (i.e. bridges, switches, and other infrastructure devices) connect directly, dynamically and non-hierarchically to as many other nodes as possible and cooperate with one another to efficiently route data to and from clients.
This lack of dependency on one node allows for every node to participate in the relay of information. Mesh networks dynamically self-organize and self-configure, which can reduce installation overhead. The ability to self-configure enables dynamic distribution of workloads, particularly in the event a few nodes should fail. This in turn contributes to fault-tolerance and reduced maintenance costs.
Mesh topology may be contrasted with conventional
star
A star is an astronomical object comprising a luminous spheroid of plasma (physics), plasma held together by its gravity. The List of nearest stars and brown dwarfs, nearest star to Earth is the Sun. Many other stars are visible to the naked ...
/
tree
In botany, a tree is a perennial plant with an elongated stem, or trunk, usually supporting branches and leaves. In some usages, the definition of a tree may be narrower, including only woody plants with secondary growth, plants that are ...
local network topologies in which the bridges/switches are directly linked to only a small subset of other bridges/switches, and the links between these infrastructure neighbours are hierarchical. While star-and-tree topologies are very well established, highly standardized and vendor-neutral, vendors of mesh network devices have not yet all agreed on common standards, and interoperability between devices from different vendors is not yet assured.
Basic principles
Mesh networks can relay messages using either a
''flooding'' or a ''
routing
Routing is the process of selecting a path for traffic in a network or between or across multiple networks. Broadly, routing is performed in many types of networks, including circuit-switched networks, such as the public switched telephone netw ...
'' technique, which makes them different from non-mesh networks. A routed message is propagated along a path by ''hopping'' from node to node until it reaches its destination. To ensure that all its paths are available, the network must allow for continuous connections and must reconfigure itself around broken paths, using ''self-healing'' algorithms such as
Shortest Path Bridging and
TRILL
TRILL (Transparent Interconnection of Lots of Links) is an Internet Standard implemented by devices called TRILL switches. TRILL combines techniques from bridging and routing, and is the application of link-state routing to the VLAN-aware custom ...
(TRansparent Interconnection of Lots of Links). Self-healing allows a routing-based network to operate when a node breaks down or when a connection becomes unreliable. The network is typically quite reliable, as there is often more than one path between a source and a destination in the network. Although mostly used in wireless situations, this concept can also apply to wired networks and to software interaction.
A mesh network whose nodes are all connected to each other is a
fully connected network
Network topology is the arrangement of the elements ( links, nodes, etc.) of a communication network. Network topology can be used to define or describe the arrangement of various types of telecommunication networks, including command and contr ...
. Fully connected wired networks are more secure and reliable: problems in a cable affect only the two nodes attached to it. In such networks, however, the number of cables, and therefore the cost, goes up rapidly as the number of nodes increases.
Types
Wired mesh
Shortest path bridging and
TRILL
TRILL (Transparent Interconnection of Lots of Links) is an Internet Standard implemented by devices called TRILL switches. TRILL combines techniques from bridging and routing, and is the application of link-state routing to the VLAN-aware custom ...
each allow
Ethernet switch
A network switch (also called switching hub, bridging hub, and, by the IEEE, MAC bridge) is networking hardware that connects devices on a computer network by using packet switching to receive and forward data to the destination device.
A netw ...
es to be connected in a mesh topology and allow for all paths to be active.
IP routing
IP routing is the application of routing methodologies to IP networks. This involves not only protocols and technologies but includes the policies of the worldwide organization and configuration of Internet infrastructure. In each IP network nod ...
supports multiple paths from source to destination.
Wireless mesh
A
wireless mesh network
A wireless mesh network (WMN) is a communications network made up of radio nodes organized in a mesh topology. It can also be a form of wireless ad hoc network.Chai Keong Toh Ad Hoc Mobile Wireless Networks, Prentice Hall Publishers, 2002.
A m ...
(WMN) is a network made up of
radio
Radio is the technology of signaling and communicating using radio waves. Radio waves are electromagnetic waves of frequency between 30 hertz (Hz) and 300 gigahertz (GHz). They are generated by an electronic device called a transmit ...
nodes organized in a mesh topology. It can also be a form of
wireless ad hoc network
A wireless ad hoc network (WANET) or mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is a decentralized type of wireless network. The network is ad hoc because it does not rely on a pre-existing infrastructure, such as routers in wired networks or access points ...
.
Chai Keong Toh
Chai Keong Toh is a Singaporean computer scientist, engineer and professor. He is currently an Expert Consultant to the Gerson Lehrman Group. He has performed research on wireless ad hoc networks, mobile computing, Internet Protocols, and mult ...
Ad Hoc Mobile Wireless Networks, Prentice Hall Publishers, 2002.
See also
*
Category of mesh networking technologies
*
Bluetooth mesh networking
Bluetooth Mesh is a computer mesh networking standard based on Bluetooth Low Energy that allows for many-to-many communication over Bluetooth radio. The Bluetooth Mesh specifications were defined in the Mesh Profile and Mesh Model specifications ...
*
MENTOR routing algorithm
The MENTOR routing algorithm is an algorithm for use in routing of mesh networks, specifically pertaining to their initial topology. It was developed in 1991 by Aaron Kershenbaum, Parviz Kermani, and George A. Grove and was published by the IEEE. ...
*
Optical mesh network
An optical mesh network is a type of optical telecommunications network employing wired fiber-optic communication or wireless free-space optical communication in a mesh network architecture.
Most optical mesh networks use fiber-optic communicatio ...
References
External links
Battelle Institute AoAComparative Ratings for popular mesh network providers, specific to mission-critical military programs.
Architecture and Evaluation of the MIT Roofnet Mesh Network- Draft research paper describing the Roofnet project.
WING ProjectWireless Mesh Network distribution based on the roofnet source code
First, Second and Third Generation Mesh ArchitecturesHistory and evolution of Mesh Networking Architectures
DARPA's ITMANET program and the FLoWS ProjectInvestigating Fundamental Performance Limits of MANETS
Robin Chase discusses Zipcar and Mesh networkingRobin Chase talks at the Ted conference about the future of mesh networking and eco-technology
irdestDecentralised ad-hoc wireless mesh communication
Dynamic And Persistent Mesh NetworksHybrid mesh networks for military, homeland security and public safety
Mesh Networks Research GroupProjects and tutorials' compilation related to the Wireless Mesh Networks
Tetrahedron Core NetworkApplication of a tetrahedral structure to create a resilient partial-mesh 3-dimensional campus backbone data network
Phantomanonymous, decentralized network, isolated from the Internet
Qaul Project– Text messaging, file sharing and voice calls independent of Internet and cellular networks
the free content wiki for project meshnet and supporting projectsBroadband-Hamnet- Mesh networking application on 2.4GHz spectrum for amateur radio
AREDN- Amateur Radio Emergency Data network, a mesh networking application used for emergency data and information handling
Disruption Tolerant Mesh Networksautonomous machine controller in mesh nodes operate despite loss of cloud connectivity.
{{Network topologies
Network topology