Mesh node definition
A mesh node is a WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) device with multiple radio systems that acts as a mesh router and endpoint (e.g., a PC, smartphone, or printer). A node can send and receive messages to and from other nodes, acting as a relay that passes the message toward its final destination.
Multiple mesh nodes form a network that routes data between devices and clients, known as a wireless mesh network (WMN). The infrastructure of these networks helps organizations deliver a consistent and efficient connection between nodes in the network.
Partial mesh vs. full mesh topology
Wireless mesh networks can either be full or partial.
- Partial mesh networks. This network has fewer routes because not all mesh nodes are directly connected.
- Full mesh networks. In a fully connected mesh, each node directly connects to every other node, resulting in more individual routes.
Partial mesh vs. full mesh topology
- Each mesh node has one or multiple paths. When they have several, they create numerous routes of information.
- A mesh node can communicate with every node in the network (forming a full mesh network) or with nearby nodes (creating a partial mesh network). Data transmitted between two nodes that don’t communicate with one another hops from node to node until it reaches the client.
- Each node is programmed to use adaptive routing algorithms to find the optimal route between nodes.
