Mesh networking

In a mesh network (English mesh), each network node is connected to one or more others. The information is passed from node to node until they reach the destination. If each participant is connected to every other participant, one speaks of a fully meshed network.

General

Meshed networks are usually self-healing and thus very reliable: if a node or a link is blocked or fails, the network can therefore completely re- knit. The data are forwarded and the network is still operable.

The concept of meshed networks can be applied to wired as on wireless networks as well as on the interaction of programs. Mobile ad hoc networks ( MANet ) that are supported by many consumer devices, provide a sub-section of the meshed networks dar.

In large networks, it is often a structure composed of a number of different topologies. So the Internet is in large parts a mesh network, but there are " main arteries " ( the backbone lines ) that resemble a ring.

In fully meshed networks with n nodes is the number of connections; this is also the upper limit of the number of connections with partial-mesh networks.

Benefits

• Safest variant of a network
• If one unit fails or a connection, the data communication is still possible by redirecting
• Very powerful
• Good load distribution
• No centralized management

Disadvantages

• Comparatively complex routing required
• Each terminal operates as a router and is therefore often active
• The terminals should remain switched on as possible in order to guarantee the stability of the network

Example

• Central office of a telephone network operator
• The Internet