7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Mesh Topology | Limitations & Benefits of Mesh Topology

What is Mesh Topology ?

Mesh topology is a network topology where all the individual workstations or devices are connected to each other without the use of a central device. There is no central devices such as switches and hubs used here. 

What are the types of Mesh Topology ?

Being able to support wireless networks, mesh topology is of 2 types. Those are the fully connected mesh and partially connected mesh. In fully connected mesh, all the computers will be interconnected to others. Whereas in partially connected, at least 2 computers will be establishing multiple connections. 

Each connected workstation is capable is capable of communicating with each other. Although mesh topology is not so popular, it is still preferred in connections like Point to Point. Mesh topology contains numerous advantages and disadvantages. Before setting up this network, it is critical to examine these points.

In this article, I will be examining about 7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Mesh Topology | Limitations & Benefits of Mesh Topology. Through this post, you will know the pros and cons of using mesh topology. 

Let's get started,

Advantages of Mesh Topology

1. Network Traffic

Mesh topologies doesn't posses any hierarchical relationships which makes them transmit multiple data simultaneously. The plan of mesh topology is made in a way that each devices will be able to communicate with others independently. As a result it has the capability to handle high amount of network traffics.

2. Network Failure

The structure of mesh topology makes sure that network failures are very unlikely to occur. Each connections in a mesh topology work individually to achieve desired results. Unless there is an entire network impact, the topology can continue to function.

3. Security

Using mesh topology means that there is an increased security and privacy. There is no centralized authority available in a mesh topology network. Each connection in a node is based individually, which means that the communications are made private and others cannot intrude. All the communications that take place between a sender and a receiver is secured. 

Moreover, mesh topology does not require the user to use a firewall or other security solutions.

4. Device Connection

Adding new devices leads to the network expansion. Using mesh topology, users will be able to add more devices without causing any hindrances to the data transmissions. Because each node communicates with others independently there is no disruption caused by adding new devices.

5. Scalability

Mesh topology refrains from using routers. Instead of real routers, each node takes the role of routers. And also, since mesh topology allows the user to add more of these nodes, the network is pretty much scalable. This makes mesh topology a scalable network without much effort.

6. Robustness

Mesh topology is also extremely robust in nature. Meaning it will continue functioning even if there is a failure. There are multiple links available in a mesh network that will make sure that each node is with alternative paths. Hence, if a workstation starts malfunctioning the entire network is not affected.

7. Consistency

The data transmission rates in mesh topology is extremely consistent. Since each node is connected to several others nodes in a network, there are multiple pathways available for a single node. This essentially means that the path unavailability is certainly cannot happen.

Disadvantages of Mesh Topology

1. Cost

The cabling cost involved in a mesh topology network makes it expensive. Tremendous amount of cable is required for this topology. Especially when implementing a fully connected mesh network.

2. Installation

Compared to other network topologies, installing a mesh network is way more costly. It needs separate hardware and cabling which are considered to be highly expensive. And also the installation process is extremely difficult since each node creates lots of connections.

3. Maintenance

Apart from installation, maintaining a mesh network is difficult and time consuming task. There are lots of cables used in this network which makes the administration tough.

4. Redundancy

Generally due to its structure, there is high possibility of a redundant connection in mesh topology. A single node creates more than one connection which increases the overall cost. Whenever new computers are added, separate hardware and equipment must be purchased. Otherwise the system could become redundant.

5. Complexity

Each node that is present on a mesh topology network acts as a messenger as well as a router. Having more workload eventually creates a complexity which cannot be seen in other topologies. This means that there is high chance of failure.

6. Latency Issues

Mesh topology is also known to suffer from latency problems. The messages that needs to be travelled from node to gateway will not be delivered on time. If you have a low powered network, especially those with low memory and bandwidth your system could potentially experience latency issues. This is simply because they don't have the capability to handle timely messages.

7. Power Consumption

As mentioned earlier, each node in a mesh topology acts as both router and a messenger, Since it has to bear double workload, it needs more power as well. A mesh network consumes more power than normally it should for the operations. This case is even more problematic for nodes low powered or battery powered.