Network Topologies
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Network Topologies
Of the five network topologies that are typically seen, a full mesh topology offers
the greatest reliability. It is only one of two topologies that can guarantee continued service if one of the other operating nodes goes down, since all nodes are connected to another node on the network. If one node is down, the remaining nodes can travel through another node.
The main drawback to the mesh topology is the added equipment expense. Since there are so many additional cables and connections needed to fully mesh each node, if the network is very big, it will add up quickly. This type of network does work well, however for nodes that are scattered far apart without access to a main line. It offers integration and redundancy where there may otherwise not be any available.
A fully meshed network can work with nearly all types of protocols, but due to the number of virtual circuits required between every router, a fully meshed network does not tend to work well with packet-switched internetworks.
Full mesh networks seem to be finding a very popular outlet in the wireless world.
O'Reilly Networks states that as they are promoting wireless technology in developing countries, "the first large-scale community mesh deployments are yet to be seen, existing lab-level implementations and feasibility tests have demonstrated enough advantages to motivate further experimenting...