Mesh topology uses one of the two arrangements either Full Mesh topology or Partial Mesh topology.
In Full Mesh topology each node is connected to every other node in the
network. In Partial Mesh topology every node is not connected to each
node in the network. Due to many interconnections much of the cable is
required for implementation of mesh topology so it is quite expensive.
However, it is reliable because if one node fails, rests of the nodes
continue to work with each other.
Since lot of cables is involved, mesh topology is quite
expensive to implement. So its often coupled with star, ring or any
other topology to form hybrid topology.
WAN (Wide Area Network) like Internet uses Mesh network
structure.
Advantages of Mesh Topology
- It is efficient in a sense when one node fails, others continue to work without disruption
- Network can be easily expanded
- In one particular instance you can send the data from one node to many nodes
- Since the message travels along dedicated link, mesh topology is more secure
Disadvantages of Mesh Topology
- It is quite expensive since a higher length of cable is required
- Implementation can be a very arduous task
