meshnetwork

A mesh network is a network topology in which nodes, or devices, connect directly, dynamically, and non-hierarchically to as many other nodes as possible. In a mesh, every node can act as an end device and as a relay, helping to forward traffic to other parts of the network. This structure enables multiple paths between sources and destinations and supports automatic rerouting if a link fails, contributing to resilience and fault tolerance.

In wireless mesh networks, links are typically wireless and operate on common radio frequencies. A subset of nodes, called mesh routers, form the backbone, creating a self-configuring, self-healing network that can expand as new nodes are added. Mesh networks can be infrastructure-based, where dedicated routers provide backhaul, or fully distributed, where every node participates in routing. Full mesh implies more connections than needed, while partial mesh uses a leaner set of links.

Routing in mesh networks is achieved through multi-hop protocols, such as OLSR, AODV, BATMAN, or HWMP in IEEE 802.11s. These protocols dynamically discover routes and adapt to topology changes. Security considerations include encryption, authentication, and access control, since many mesh deployments operate in shared spectra. Performance can be affected by interference, distance, and traffic patterns, and power constraints may influence node placement.

Common applications include community broadband, emergency response, temporary events, and sensor or Internet of Things deployments. Benefits include scalability, resilience, and rapid deployment, while challenges include management complexity, spectrum planning, and backhaul integration. Mesh networking remains an area of active development, with standards and open-source implementations contributing to interoperability.