What is mesh?
A mesh is a network design where each device (called a node) connects directly to multiple other nodes, creating many pathways for data to travel. Think of it like a net or spider web - if one strand breaks, the rest still hold everything together.
Let's break it down
- Node: Any device that can send and receive data (router, phone, sensor, etc.).
- Link: The wireless or wired connection between two nodes.
- Topology: The overall shape of the network; in a mesh, it’s a web of many links.
- Routing: The process of choosing the best path for data, which can change dynamically as nodes join, leave, or fail.
Why does it matter?
Because a mesh network can keep working even if some parts go down. This makes it reliable, flexible, and able to cover large or hard‑to‑reach areas without needing a lot of cables or a single central hub.
Where is it used?
- Home Wi‑Fi systems (e.g., Google Nest Wi‑Fi, Eero)
- Community internet projects in rural areas
- Smart‑city sensors and streetlights
- Industrial IoT setups in factories or warehouses
- Emergency response communications when traditional networks are unavailable
Good things about it
- Resilience: Automatic rerouting around failures.
- Scalability: Add more nodes to expand coverage easily.
- Self‑healing: The network reorganizes itself when devices move or drop.
- Reduced dead zones: More nodes mean better signal reach.
Not-so-good things
- Cost: More devices can mean higher upfront expense.
- Complex setup: Initial configuration may be trickier than a single router.
- Potential latency: Data may hop through several nodes, adding slight delay.
- Interference: Many wireless links can compete for the same radio spectrum, especially in crowded environments.