Glossary · Industrial communication
Mesh network
Also known as: Mesh topology, Wireless mesh
German: Mesh-Netzwerk
In communication networks, a mesh network is a topology in which nodes are interconnected through multiple paths, so data can be forwarded over alternative routes when a link or node fails. In industrial wireless systems such as WirelessHART and ISA100 Wireless, field devices relay messages for each other.
- Industrial communication
In one sentence
A mesh network links nodes over multiple paths, so data can take another route when a link or node fails.
Example
In a tank farm, WirelessHART transmitters form a mesh; if a truck blocks one radio path, messages are routed through neighboring transmitters.
How it applies
- Engineering: Mesh networks increase coverage and resilience without running cables. Designers plan enough neighbors per node so that alternative paths exist; each extra hop adds Latency.
- Commissioning: Wireless site surveys and the network manager's statistics show path quality and the number of routes per device.
- Operation: Battery-powered routing nodes consume more energy; update rates and battery life must be balanced.
- Documentation: The documentation team explains the network manager and gateway roles, the minimum number of neighbors recommended by the manufacturer and how to interpret path diagnostics.
Mesh network vs. star topology
In a Star topology every node talks only to a central point, so a failed central point or link isolates nodes. In a mesh network, nodes relay for each other. Wired Ethernet networks rarely use full meshes; wireless sensor networks often do.