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Introduction To Mesh Networks

Mesh project

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3 views

Introduction To Mesh Networks

Mesh project

Uploaded by

belam8456
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

Introduction to Mesh Networks


A mesh network is a local area network (LAN) topology where individual devices (called nodes) connect
directly with each other, sharing data and extending the overall network coverage. Unlike a star
topology with a central hub, each node in a mesh network acts as a router and repeater, relaying signals
to other devices.

A mesh network is a type of network topology where each node (device) in the network is connected to
several other nodes, creating a web-like structure. This design allows for efficient data routing and
robust communication paths within the network. Mesh networks can be wireless or wired and are
known for their self-healing capabilities, reliability, and scalability.

2. Mesh Network Components

A mesh network consists of several critical components that work together to provide robust,
scalable, and reliable network connectivity. Here are the primary components of a mesh network:

1. Nodes:
o Mesh Routers: These are the main nodes in the network, responsible for routing
data. They are interconnected and form the backbone of the mesh network.
o Mesh Clients: Devices that connect to the mesh network, such as laptops,
smartphones, IoT devices, and other user-end equipment.
o Gateway Nodes: Nodes that connect the mesh network to external networks, such
as the internet or a corporate intranet.
2. Links:
oWired Links: Ethernet or other wired connections that link nodes in the network,
often used to provide a stable and high-bandwidth backbone.
o Wireless Links: Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Bluetooth, or other wireless technologies that
connect nodes without the need for physical cables.
3. Routing Protocols:
o Dynamic Routing Protocols: Protocols like OLSR (Optimized Link State
Routing), AODV (Ad hoc On-demand Distance Vector), and BATMAN (Better
Approach To Mobile Adhoc Networking) that dynamically determine the best
paths for data to travel through the network.
4. Management Software:
o Network Management Tools: Software tools for configuring, monitoring, and
managing the mesh network, often providing features like automatic updates,
performance monitoring, and security management.
o Firmware: Specialized software running on mesh routers to control their
operation and facilitate communication with other nodes.
5. Power Sources:
o Power Over Ethernet (PoE): Allows network cables to carry electrical power to
the nodes, simplifying installation.
o Batteries/Solar Panels: Especially for outdoor or remote nodes, providing
independent power sources.

3. Mesh Network Topologies

Mesh networks can be designed using various topologies, each offering different advantages and
trade-offs in terms of connectivity, redundancy, and complexity. The two primary topologies are:

1. Full Mesh Topology:


o Description: In a full mesh topology, every node is directly connected to every other
node.
o Advantages:
 High Redundancy: Multiple paths between any two nodes ensure high fault
tolerance.
 Reliability: Failure of one node or link does not significantly impact the network.
 Low Latency: Direct connections reduce the number of hops and potential
latency.
o Disadvantages:
 Complexity: The number of connections increases exponentially with the
number of nodes.
 Cost: High infrastructure cost due to the large number of links required.

2. Partial Mesh Topology:


o Description: In a partial mesh topology, some nodes are connected to multiple other
nodes, while others are connected to just one or two nodes.
o Advantages:
 Scalability: Easier to add new nodes without requiring a direct connection to
every other node.
 Cost-Effective: Fewer links reduce the overall infrastructure cost.
 Flexibility: Can be tailored to provide redundancy where needed without the
complexity of a full mesh.
o Disadvantages:
 Less Redundancy: Not as fault-tolerant as a full mesh, especially if key nodes
fail.
 Variable Latency: More hops between some nodes can increase latency.

Mesh Network Protocols

Routing in mesh networks is a critical function that ensures data is efficiently transmitted across
the network. Various routing protocols are used in mesh networks, each with specific features
and optimizations:

1. Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR):


o Description: OLSR is a proactive link-state routing protocol that maintains routes by
periodically exchanging topology information with other nodes.
o Features:
 Proactive: Continuously maintains and updates routing tables, providing
immediate route availability.
 Efficient Use of Bandwidth: Uses MultiPoint Relays (MPRs) to minimize the
number of broadcast messages required.
o Use Cases: Suitable for medium to large networks where route discovery needs to be
fast and reliable.

2. Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV):


o Description: AODV is a reactive routing protocol that establishes routes only when
needed, reducing overhead.
o Features:
 On-Demand: Creates routes only when a source node requests it, reducing
unnecessary traffic.
 Loop-Free: Maintains sequence numbers to ensure the latest route information
is used, preventing routing loops.
o Use Cases: Ideal for networks with variable or infrequent communication needs.

3. Better Approach To Mobile Ad hoc Networking (BATMAN):


o Description: BATMAN is a proactive routing protocol designed to simplify and improve
the efficiency of routing in mobile ad hoc networks.
o Features:
 Distributed: Each node independently evaluates the best next hop for data
packets.
 Dynamic: Continuously adjusts to changes in network topology, making it
suitable for mobile environments.
o Use Cases: Effective for dynamic networks with frequently changing topologies.

4. Hybrid Wireless Mesh Protocol (HWMP):


o Description: HWMP is the default routing protocol for IEEE 802.11s mesh networks,
combining proactive and reactive routing approaches.
o Features:
 Hybrid Approach: Uses a proactive tree-building process for consistent routes
and reactive methods for on-demand route discovery.
 Path Selection: Allows for multiple path selections to optimize routing decisions.
o Use Cases: Commonly used in wireless mesh networks where both stable and dynamic
routes are required.

5. Zigbee Mesh Protocol:


o Description: Zigbee is a specification for a suite of high-level communication protocols
using low-power digital radios, often used in IoT applications.
o Features:
 Low Power Consumption: Designed for low power devices, ideal for IoT
applications.
 Self-Healing: Automatically routes around obstacles and failed nodes.
o Use Cases: Widely used in smart home devices, industrial automation, and other IoT
networks.

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