Mesh Networks

Question 1

What is a mesh networks?

Answer 1

In a mesh topology there is no central connection point. Instead, each node is connected to at least one other node and usually to more than one. Each node is capable of sending messages to and receiving messages from other nodes.

Question 2

What are the two types of Mesh?

Answer 2

• full mesh topology

- partial mesh topology

Question 3

What can you do with a full mesh?

Answer 3

With a full mesh, each node is directly connected to every other node. This enables a message to be sent along many individual routes

Question 4

What is a partial mesh?

Answer 4

With a partial mesh, not all nodes are connected directly to each other. A partial mesh therefore has fewer routes for a message to travel along than a full mesh but is simpler to implement.

Question 5

Why are wired mesh network uncommon?

Answer 5

Wired mesh networks tend to be uncommon, mainly because connecting all nodes to all other nodes is expensive and impractical.

Question 6

What are the advantages of using Mesh Toplogy?

Answer 6

• messages can be received more quickly if the route to the intended recipient is short
• messages should always get through as they have many possible routes on which to travel
• multiple connections mean each node can transmit to and receive from more than one node at the same time

Question 7

What are disadvantage of a mesh?

Answer 7

• full mesh networks can be impractical to set up because of the high number of connections needed
• many connections require a lot of maintenance

Question 8

What are Mesh used for?

Answer 8

• military organisations often use mesh topologies to avoid breakdowns in communication
• emergency services, such as police and fire services, also use wireless mesh networks to ensure that communication is reliable
• some utility companies who provide gas and electric use mesh networks to allow smart meters to send readings automatically