What Is a Mesh Network and Why You’d Use One

Mesh networking is a revolutionary wireless connectivity technology that has gained traction in various industries due to its flexibility and reliability. Read on to learn more about a mesh network, when it's typically used, its advantages and disadvantages, and how it compares to other wireless connection methods.

Read more: Information Technology (IT) Terms: A to Z Glossary

What is a mesh network?

A mesh network is a wireless system consisting of multiple connected nodes or devices. These nodes transmit and route data across the network, enabling communication between all connected devices. Many mesh networks are self-healing, meaning that if one node fails or becomes inaccessible, the network will automatically reconfigure itself to find an alternative path for the data.

Types of mesh networks

You can use several types of mesh networks, each designed to serve specific purposes and cater to different requirements. In general, mesh networks fall into the following categories:

1. Full mesh networks

In a full mesh network, every node is directly connected to the network. This configuration provides high redundancy and reliability as data transmits through multiple paths.

2. Partial mesh networks

A partial mesh network features selective connections between nodes, where not all nodes are directly connected to each other. This type of mesh network balances redundancy and scalability, simplifying management while providing multiple data transmission paths.

3. Wireless mesh networks

Wireless mesh networks rely on wireless connections between nodes, eliminating the need for physical cabling. These networks are ideal for environments where wired connections are impractical or too expensive to implement. Many people use wireless mesh networks for home networking, outdoor events, and smart home or city projects.

4. Hybrid mesh networks

Hybrid mesh networks combine elements of wired and wireless mesh networks. They can be tailored to specific needs.

Who uses mesh networks?

Mesh networks are widely used across various careers and industries due to their reliability and flexibility. Some relevant sectors include:

• Home networking: Many homeowners are turning to mesh networks to ensure reliable internet coverage throughout their entire house, especially in larger homes where a single router might not provide adequate coverage.

• Business and enterprise: Companies with large offices or multiple buildings often utilize mesh networks to improve connectivity across their locations.

• Environmental monitoring: Mesh networks are ideal for several types of outdoor monitoring, including humidity, pollution, and temperature metrics. Sensor nodes can compile data from several types of locations where traditional networking solutions might not be feasible.

• Emergency services and disaster recovery: In times of crisis, mesh networks can be quickly deployed to maintain communication between rescue teams, support organizations, and affected communities.

• Smart cities: Mesh networks are becoming increasingly popular for managing large-scale smart city projects and connecting IoT devices in residential and commercial settings.

Mesh networking advantages and disadvantages

Understanding the various types of mesh networks and their applications can help you choose the option that is suitable for your needs. Before deciding whether a mesh network is right for your needs, it's essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of this technology.

Advantages

• Enhanced coverage and reliability: Mesh networks can cover large areas and eliminate dead zones, providing a more reliable connection. This is especially useful in rural areas or in times of natural disasters.

• Scalability: Adding more nodes to a mesh network is easy, allowing it to grow and adapt to changing requirements.

• Self-healing: If a node fails or disconnects, the mesh network automatically reconfigures itself, maintaining its functionality.

Disadvantages

• Higher cost: Mesh networks can be expensive compared to traditional networking solutions. This is because they require multiple nodes.

• Reduced performance: Mesh networks may have slower data transfer rates in some cases due to multiple hops between nodes. However, proper network design can mitigate this.

• Complexity: Mesh networks can be more complex to manage and troubleshoot than traditional networks, particularly as the number of nodes increases.

By carefully weighing the pros and cons of mesh networks, you can determine whether this technology is the right choice for your specific wireless connectivity requirements.

Comparing mesh networks to Wi-Fi and routers

To help you decide if a mesh network is the right choice for your needs, consider comparing it to other wireless connection methods, such as Wi-Fi and traditional routers.

Mesh networks vs. Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is a wireless communication technology used to connect devices to the internet or local area networks. Traditional Wi-Fi networks have one access point, such as a router. In contrast, mesh networks use multiple interconnected nodes to extend coverage and improve reliability.

Mesh networks can provide better coverage and performance compared to traditional Wi-Fi networks, especially in larger spaces or areas with obstacles that can interfere with wireless signals.

Read more: What Is a Router?

Mesh networks vs. routers

A traditional router serves as a single access point for wireless connectivity, whereas a mesh network utilizes multiple nodes to provide a more extensive and reliable connection. While you can extend routers using range extenders or additional access points, mesh networks provide a more efficient solution by intelligently routing traffic between nodes.

When deciding between a mesh network and a traditional router, it's essential to consider factors such as coverage area, scalability requirements, and ease of installation.

Getting started with mesh networks

If you're interested in pursuing a career or developing skills related to mesh networks, you can take several steps to start learning. While a bachelor’s degree is not always required for entry-level positions in mesh networking, having a background in computer science, information technology, or a related field can be beneficial. Some educational options to consider include:

• College or university programs: Pursue a degree in computer science, information technology, or network engineering to build a strong foundation in networking concepts and technologies.

• Certifications: Obtain industry-recognized certifications, such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA, to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in networking.

Entry-level roles

If you are looking to enter an entry-level career, several careers are applicable to mesh networks. Some entry-level positions include the following:

• Network technician: In this role, you'll be responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting network devices, including mesh networking equipment. The average annual salary for a network technician is $62,208 [1].

• Network administrator: As a network administrator, you'll manage and maintain network infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity for users. The average annual salary for a network administrator is $78,620 [2].

• Technical support specialist: This position often involves assisting customers or internal members of a company with mesh network setup and troubleshooting, helping them get the most out of their networking equipment. The average annual salary for a network administrator is $53,941 [3].

Read more: 6 Network Certifications for Your IT Career

Learn more about mesh networking 

Mesh networks are connected systems that allow for different technologies to connect to the internet and each other seamlessly. Homes and businesses across the world use this network style. 

Start building your knowledge of mesh networks and related technologies with courses on Coursera. You can choose to learn about specific networks, such as in the Networking in Google Cloud Specialization, or take a more general course, such as The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking course by Google.