Mesh and hybrid topologies

5 minAS Level2.1.5

AI-drafted, independently checked · not yet teacher-reviewed

By the end of this lesson

By the end you can describe how a packet travels through a mesh and a hybrid network, count the links in a full mesh, and justify each topology for a situation.

Many roads to Rome

In a bus or a star there is exactly one route between two devices. Cut it and the conversation is over.

A mesh gives packets lots of routes. Cut one and they simply go another way, like traffic diverting round a closed road.

Definition

Mesh topology

Each device is connected to several other devices, so there are multiple routes between any two. In a full mesh every device is connected directly to every other device; in a partial mesh only some are.

How a packet crosses a mesh

The sending device chooses a route towards the destination, often the direct link if there is one.
If the packet isn't sent directly, each device along the way forwards (relays) it towards the destination.
If a link or device on the route has failed, the packet is rerouted along another path.
The destination device receives the packet.

Packets of the same message may even take different routes and arrive out of order; they're put back in order at the destination.

Mesh: a failed link just means a detour. Hybrid: stars stitched together by a backbone.

Worked example: Counting the cables in a full mesh

How many links are needed for a full mesh of 6 devices?

Have a go first?

Quick check

CalculateQuestion 1 · Apply

Multiple choiceQuestion 2 · Recall

Answer the 2 questions above to continue.