Mesh topology

A network setup where each computer and network device is interconnected with one another, allowing for most transmissions to be distributed, even if one of the connections go down. This topology is not commonly used for most computer networks as it is difficult and expensive to have redundant connection to every computer. However, this topology is commonly used for wireless networks. Below is a visual example of a simple computer setup on a network using a mesh topology.

Mesh topology

A mesh topology can be a full mesh topology or a partially connected mesh topology.

In a full mesh topology, every computer in the network has a connection to each of the other computers in that network. The number of connections in this network can be calculated using the following formula (n is the number of computers in the network): n(n-1)/2

In a partially connected mesh topology, at least two of the computers in the network have connections to multiple other computers in that network. This is a cheaper way to build a network that has some redundancy in the event one of the primary computers or connections in the network were to be down.

Related pages

Also see: Network terms, Topology