What is a mesh network, and how does it work?

What is a mesh network?

A mesh network is a group of nodes, like Wi-Fi routers or other connection devices, that act as one large, shared network. Instead of depending on a single Wi-Fi router to blanket your whole home or office with signal (which doesn’t always go so well, especially through walls or across big spaces), each device in the mesh helps spread the signal, so you get better coverage throughout your home or building. It’s a network topology type that creates a sort of web structure, so even if one node crashes, the data travels using a different route.

This setup is quite different from a traditional network, where all devices connect to a single internet gateway. It can be useful in situations where reliability and resilience are really needed, such as when dealing with larger spaces or tricky layouts. Of course, you get a tradeoff. Since you need more devices and connections, mesh networks tend to cost more and take a bit more effort to set up. 

Mesh networks operate like LANs (local area networks), with all the connection points being in a particular space. For example, if a 10-floor office block has a router on each level, all 10 routers could be meshed into a single network.

How does a mesh network work?

In a mesh network, data doesn’t just take one fixed path. Instead, it finds the best way to get from point A to point B by moving through different connected devices (nodes). The data moves through a mesh network in two main ways, which are called routing and flooding.

Routing 

Routing within a mesh network involves sending a data packet from one device to the next until it finds the node to which the recipient is connected. Think of it like passing a message from one person to the next until it gets to the right one.

For example, if you’re on the fifth floor of your office building and want to print something on the second floor, your file moves through each router or node between those floors. The data only travels through the devices it needs to reach the printer.

Flooding 

Flooding takes a different approach from routing. Instead of choosing one path, it sends the same data packet to every device in the network at the same time. If we’re still in that office with 10 mesh routers across 10 floors, the file you send to the printer on the second floor is sent to all 10 floors at once. Only one (the intended recipient or the printer) will respond, but every other device will still receive the message. 

While this setup can be a bit faster than routing in small networks, it’s less resource efficient and creates a larger surface area for cyberattacks since more devices are handling the same data.

Mesh network topology types

Mesh networks can be set up in different ways, and the two main types are full mesh and partial mesh. The difference between the two comes down to how many direct connections exist between nodes — full mesh has all nodes connected to each other, while partial mesh connects only some. Each has its own strengths, which we’ll look at next.

Full mesh topology

In full mesh networks, every device or node in the network connects to every other node. This setup creates many possible paths for data to travel, making the network very reliable. If one device or connection fails, the data can simply take another route. 

Because of all these direct connections, full mesh networks offer the highest level of redundancy and fault tolerance. However, they can be expensive and complex to set up, especially as the number of devices grows. That’s why full mesh is mostly used in places where reliability is more important than cost, like in data centers.

Partial mesh topology

In a partial mesh topology, some devices are directly connected to each other, while others rely on nearby nodes to pass along data. Not every node has a direct link to every other node, but they’re still part of the same network and can communicate through shared connections. 

Each node might only connect to its two closest neighbors, and data packets are passed along from one sender to the next until they reach the intended receiver. Another version of a partial mesh network could involve one or two devices through which all other routers interlink. 

Compared to a full mesh, partial mesh systems aren’t as fast because data needs to jump between more nodes to move around. However, they are less complex and more affordable to build since they require fewer connections. 

Wired mesh network vs. wireless mesh network

Beyond the full and partial setups, we can also categorize mesh networks by how they connect. They fall into two groups — wired or wireless.

Wired mesh networks require all nodes to be physically connected. It’s a good and stable option for environments where speed and reliability are a top priority. For example, in an office or school, routers on each floor might be connected with wires.

Wireless mesh networks don’t need physical cables. They use wireless signals to send data between nodes. This setup can be helpful if running cables between every node isn’t practical or is too expensive. However, bandwidth on wireless networks is considerably narrower than on wired ones. They’re a good option when the devices (nodes) move around or change location often.

While these two systems have their advantages, a third configuration exists that can provide the best of both worlds.

Hybrid mesh networks

A hybrid mesh network combines both wired and wireless connections. Some nodes on the network are physically connected with cables, while others connect wirelessly.

This setup provides fast speeds where cables are used while still allowing wireless devices to move around and stay connected. It’s a great option because the wireless parts can cover a wider area, while the static cables keep strong bandwidth for the most important areas.

Where can you use mesh networks?

Mesh networks aren’t used exclusively in big offices or data centers. They’re flexible and reliable enough to use in all kinds of places, including:

• Homes can use mesh networks to improve internet coverage in large spaces or buildings with thick walls, where a single router may not do the job.
• Office networks often use this type of network topology to provide reliable internet across multiple rooms or entire floors.
• Schools and campuses use mesh networks to connect classrooms, labs, and buildings without extensive wiring, which makes it easier to expand the network if needed.
• Warehouses and factories use mesh networks to keep devices like scanners and machines connected over large areas.
• Outdoor events and festivals set up mesh networks to provide internet for vendors, staff, and guests, even in crowded or temporary spaces.
• Smart cities use mesh networks to power systems like traffic lights and sensors, helping manage the city more efficiently.
• Emergency response teams use mesh networks so that everyone can stay in touch in disaster zones or remote locations.
• IoT systems depend on mesh networks to link sensors, appliances, and other smart tools across homes, offices, and industrial sites, creating a connected ecosystem.
• Public Wi-Fi networks use mesh networks to provide wide internet coverage across parks, campuses, or city centers.
• Environmental monitoring projects use mesh networks to collect data on temperature, air quality, and humidity from sensors in areas where traditional solutions might not be possible.

The benefits of mesh networks

Wired and wireless mesh networks offer a lot of benefits for organizations of all sizes, as do hybrid options:

• Improved range. Perhaps the biggest benefit of mesh networks is their ability to extend your organization’s networking capabilities. It’s especially true for hybrid mesh networks since they can help create very large, coherent networks.

• Long-term scalability. You can easily scale a mesh network as your organization grows. You can just add new nodes to extend the network without needing to redesign the whole system.

• Self-healing networks. When one node in a mesh network goes down, the network automatically finds a way to reroute the data through another node. This process is referred to as “self-healing” and allows the network to keep running with little to no downtime.

The drawbacks of mesh networks

Mesh networking isn’t perfect, of course, and some aspects can make it not suitable for your network:

• Increased node traffic. Nodes in a mesh, especially in partial setups, handle more traffic than they would in a simpler network. This extra load can slow down performance, particularly in wireless environments.

• Complex setup and maintenance. Establishing a wired or wireless mesh network, troubleshooting ongoing errors, and maintaining its security can be a lot of work. For smaller organizations and businesses, this complexity can be a barrier to entry.

• Increased cybersecurity risks. Each node in a mesh network is a potential access point for hackers wishing to target an organization. The more nodes you connect, the greater the risk. If a hacker compromises one router, they could use it to spread malware across the entire network.

Differences between mesh node, Wi-Fi extender, and Wi-Fi access point

Let’s clear up some confusion around the differences between mesh network nodes, Wi-Fi extenders, and Wi-Fi access points. While they all serve to improve your network’s coverage, they work in different ways:

• A mesh network node is a connecting point on a mesh network. It can be a router, wireless access point, smart device, laptop, printer, or any device capable of connecting to and forwarding data within the network.
• A Wi-Fi extender is a piece of hardware that picks up and repeats the wireless broadcast from a Wi-Fi router. If you’re struggling to get full Wi-Fi coverage in your home, an extender is a good solution, but it’s not a mesh network node, just an amplifier for the router.
• A Wi-Fi access point (also known as a wireless access point) serves a similar function to a Wi-Fi extender. They are small pieces of hardware that can connect to a router with ethernet cables, essentially siphoning off some of the router’s Wi-Fi and extending it into another space. Wi-Fi access points are an important part of mesh Wi-Fi systems.

Extenders and access points could be part of a hybrid network, but they can also act on their own and be useful even if you’re not setting up a mesh network.

Can I use a mesh network with an existing router?

It’s possible to add an existing router to a mesh network. If you already have a router set up, you can integrate it into the mesh system by configuring it as a mesh node. However, if you want optimal mesh network security and performance, it is best to establish all mesh nodes at the same time, with the specific intention of creating a mesh network from the start. 

The best mesh nodes are devices and software specifically designed for meshing. Regular Wi-Fi routers might not be as efficient or stable as dedicated mesh devices, which could affect your network’s speed and overall performance. So consider the potential impact on your network before doing so.

Can you use a Wi-Fi extender with a mesh network?

You can use a Wi-Fi extender with a mesh network, but it won’t function like the other mesh nodes. A Wi-Fi extender simply picks up and repeats the signal from a router, meaning it can't handle data on its own. As such, a Wi-Fi extender could be used to improve the performance of a node in a mesh network by extending its range and allowing it to connect with more nodes, but it doesn’t act as an actual node.

Mesh network vs. ad hoc network

Mesh networks are sometimes confused with ad hoc networks because both connect multiple devices without relying on cables, but they are separate systems working in completely different ways. Ad hoc networks are much more dynamic because several devices are temporarily connected. You can use an ad hoc network as a temporary solution when setting up physical infrastructure isn’t possible due to time, cost, or location constraints. 

Mesh networks are designed for more stable, long-term use. Their routes are mostly fixed, and traffic usually moves from users to a central gateway, like a modem or main router. 

Mesh network vs. Meshnet

The terms mesh network and Meshnet may sound similar, but they are two completely different things. “Mesh network” is a catch-all term for a kind of network topology, while Meshnet is a specific feature provided by NordVPN.

It allows users to create secure, encrypted connections between their own devices. The user could use Meshnet for remote access to their devices from anywhere. For example, they could route traffic from their phone through a home computer so that when traveling abroad, they can still browse online with their usual local IP address.

Meshnet for businesses can be useful for creating private, secure links between remote team members or offices without the need for a full corporate VPN setup. To get the most out of it, it's a good idea to follow the best Meshnet practices, such as managing device permissions carefully and regularly reviewing active connections.

If you’d like to try Meshnet today, you can download the NordVPN app and enjoy all the benefits without a paid subscription. 

How to set up a mesh network

Setting up a mesh network at home or in an office is usually simple, especially with modern plug-and-play systems:

1. 1.Choose a mesh system. Select a mesh Wi-Fi system that fits your space and needs. Make sure the system supports the coverage area and number of devices you plan to connect.
2. 2.Connect the main router. Plug the primary mesh router (often called the “main node” or “gateway”) into your modem using an Ethernet cable. This device will serve as the base for your entire network.
3. 3.Power it on and install the app. Turn on the main router and install the manufacturer’s app on your phone or tablet. Most mesh systems use an app to walk you through setup and manage your network.
4. 4.Add mesh nodes. Place the additional mesh nodes around your home or office. Spread them out to ensure even coverage, but try to keep them within range of each other. Power them on and follow the app’s instructions to add each one to the network.
5. 5.Name your network and set a password. During setup, you’ll be asked to create a network name (SSID) and a secure Wi-Fi password. All your devices will use these details to connect to the internet.
6. 6.Update firmware. Once the setup is complete, check the app for firmware updates. Keeping your mesh system updated ensures better performance and security.
7. 7.Test your network. Walk around the space with a connected device to make sure your signal is strong and consistent. You can also use the app to check coverage and reposition nodes if needed.
8. 8.Customize settings. Use the app to manage connected devices, create guest networks, set parental controls, or prioritize bandwidth for work or streaming.