What is a Mesh Network and How Does it Work with the Internet of Things (IoT)?

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Welcome back, my aspiring cyberwarriors!




In my book, Network Basics for Hackers, I talked about the various types of network topologies. For your local area network (LAN), the star topology network is the most important and prevalent. I also mentioned the mesh topology because I believe that this will become the most important network topology type in the near future.




The internet was built upon a mesh topology and many of the new satellite networks, such as Starlink, are as well. Mesh do not depend upon a single node and can dynamically self-organize and self-configure. The key advantages are the reliability and scalability and this could lead to new un-imagined applications!




In this article, I want to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this topology type and how it is being used now and in the future.







What is a Mesh Network?




A mesh network is a type of wireless network architecture that uses multiple interconnected nodes to provide widespread coverage. Here's how mesh networks work:













How It Works

1. Mesh nodes are placed throughout the coverage area and communicate with each other and the main router (in Wi-Fi).
   
   
   
   
   
2. Each node acts as both an access point (in Wi-Fi) and a signal repeater
   
   
   
   
   
3. Devices can connect to ANY node in the network seamlessly
   
   
   
   
   
4. Data is routed intelligently between nodes to find the fastest path to its destination
   
   
   
   
   
5. The network automatically re-configures if a node fails or is added
   
   
   
   
   

Key Benefits of a Mesh Network

• Extended Coverage: Eliminates dead zones in large spaces
  
  
  
  
  
• Seamless Roaming: Devices maintain connection as they move between nodes
  
  
  
  
  
• Easy Expansion: Simply add more nodes to increase coverage
  
  
  
  
  
• Self-Healing: Network reroutes around failed nodes
  
  
  
  
  

How Mesh Networks are Superior to Other Network Topologies




A mesh network improves reliability and scalability in some key ways:




Redundant Pathways




Mesh networks create multiple interconnected nodes that can communicate with each other. This provides redundant pathways for data to travel.If one node fails or loses connection, the network can automatically reroute traffic through other available nodes, maintaining connectivity.




Self-Healing Capability




The self-healing nature of mesh networks is a major reliability boost. If a node goes offline, the system will automatically reconfigure to find the best routes for data transmission. This allows the network to adapt to failures without manual intervention.




Consistent Coverage




By distributing multiple nodes throughout a space, mesh networks eliminate dead zones and provide consistent coverage.




This ensures a reliable connection even in areas that might have weak signals with a traditional router setup.




Intelligent Traffic Management




Mesh systems can intelligently route data through the least congested paths for optimal performance. This load balancing helps maintain high throughput and low latency even when multiple devices are connected.




Seamless Roaming




As you move through your space, your devices automatically connect to the strongest node without interruption.*This seamless handoff between nodes prevents drops in connectivity as you change location.




Scalability




It's easy to add more nodes to expand coverage as needed.

This allows the network to grow reliably along with changing needs, without requiring a complete overhaul.




Single Network




Unlike range extenders that create separate networks, mesh systems maintain a single network.




This allows for truly seamless roaming without having to manually switch between networks. By addressing common issues like dead zones, network congestion, and coverage limitations, mesh networks provide a more stable and reliable internet experience compared to traditional single-router setups. The distributed nature of mesh systems creates a robust network that can adapt to failures and changing conditions.



BlueTooth Mesh Network




Bluetooth mesh networking is a standardized implementation of mesh networking using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Here are some key points about Bluetooth mesh:













Overview

• Bluetooth mesh was introduced in 2017 as part of the Bluetooth 5 specification
  
  
  
  
  
• It allows for many-to-many communication over Bluetooth radio, enabling devices to form large-scale networks
  
  
  
  
  

How It Works

• Bluetooth mesh uses a managed flood network principle, where nodes relay messages to each other
  
  
  
  
  
• Devices can communicate directly with each other without requiring a central hub
  
  
  
  
  
• Messages are broadcast and relayed by nodes until they reach their destination
  
  
  
  
  

Key Features

• Supports up to 32,767 nodes in a single network
  
  
  
  
  
• Built on top of Bluetooth Low Energy, utilizing its protocol stack
  
  
  
  
  
• Provides global interoperability between certified devices from different manufacturers
  
  
  
  
  
• Offers enhanced reliability through multi-path messaging
  
  
  
  
  

Compatibility

• Works with Bluetooth 4.0 and later versions
  
  
  
  
  
• Bluetooth mesh nodes can communicate with Bluetooth 4.x and 5.x devices, though 4.x devices have limited functionality in the mesh
  
  
  
  
  

Applications

• Ideal for IoT applications requiring low power consumption and large-scale device networks
  
  
  
  
  
• Commonly used in lighting systems, sensor networks, and smart building applications
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Although the Bluetooth mesh has several major advantages, it's adoption has been slower than anticipated.




Zigbee Mesh Networks




Mesh networks can be implemented using Zigbee technology as well. Zigbee is a standards-based wireless mesh network used in IoT devices including building automation, lighting, and medical and asset tracking. Zigbee was specifically designed to support mesh networking for low-power, low-data-rate applications.













Here are some key points to know about Zigbee mesh networks:




Zigbee Mesh Architecture




Zigbee mesh networks consist of three types of devices:

1. Coordinator: The main controller that initiates and manages the network.
   
   
2. Routers: Devices that can relay messages and extend the network range.
   
   
3. End Devices: Nodes that can send and receive messages but cannot relay them.
   
   
   
   
   

How Zigbee Mesh Works

• Zigbee uses a routing mechanism to send messages through the network.
  
  
• Devices can communicate with each other without going through a central hub.
  
  
• The network can self-heal by finding new routes if a node fails.
  
  
  
  
  

Key Features

• Low Power Consumption: Ideal for battery-operated devices.
  
  
  
  
  
• Large Network Support: Can theoretically support up to 65,000 nodes in a single network
  
  
  
  
  
• Multiple Frequency Bands: Operates in 2.4 GHz, 915 MHz, or 868 MHz bands depending on the region
  
  
  
  
  
• Security: Implements AES-128 encryption for secure communication.
  
  
  
  
  

Comparison to Other Mesh Technologies

• Protocol Base: Zigbee is IP-based, unlike Bluetooth mesh which uses Bluetooth
  
  
  
  
  
• Messaging Approach: Zigbee uses routing mechanisms, while Bluetooth mesh uses managed flood messaging
  
  
  
  
  
• RAM Usage: Zigbee devices require more RAM to store routing tables compared to Bluetooth mesh
  
  
  
  
  
• Network Density: Zigbee is more suitable for high-density networks compared to Bluetooth mesh
  
  
  
  
  

Applications




Zigbee mesh networks are commonly used in:

• Home automation
  
  
• Smart lighting systems
  
  
• Industrial control systems
  
  
• Sensor networks
  
  
• Smart energy management
  
  
  
  
  

Zigbee's mesh networking capabilities make it ideal for creating robust, scalable networks of interconnected devices, particularly in IoT and smart home applications.




Summary




Mesh network topology is the topology of the future and the past. The internet is built upon a mesh topology, Starlink uses a mesh topology and IoT devices are increasingly using mesh topology. New applications might include applications like Briarwhere a city or neighborhood can all be on the same network, sharing messages, and information with a cellular or internet connection.




The reliability and scalability of these type of networks will likely make it the topology of choice as our digital world expands and includes applications we never imagined!




For more on mesh networks see our Bluetooth Hacking class.