The Internet of Things (IoT) relies on effective communication between devices, often referred to as nodes. The choice of network topology significantly impacts the performance, energy efficiency, and reliability of an IoT system. Among the various topologies, Mesh Topology and Star Topology are the most commonly employed.
In a Mesh Topology, all nodes in the network work collaboratively to distribute data. Each node acts as both a transmitter and a receiver, forwarding data to its neighbors to ensure the information reaches its destination.
Advantages:
- Low transmit power: Since data hops between nearby nodes, shorter transmission ranges can be used, reducing power consumption.
- Redundancy: The interconnected nature of the network provides multiple pathways for data transmission, increasing fault tolerance and reliability.
Disadvantages:
- Limited range between nodes: Each node must be within communication range of its neighbors, which can be restrictive in sparse networks.
- Vulnerability to node failure: If a critical node goes offline, parts of the network behind it may lose connectivity, impacting performance.
But only the newest node devices support Mesh Topology and it makes that network less cost efficient.
In a Star Topology, all nodes are connected directly to a central hub, such as a router or access point. This hub coordinates communication, serving as the network’s focal point.
Advantages:
- Centralized management: The hub simplifies network complexity by handling coordination, scheduling, and communication protocols.
- Energy efficiency: Nodes can enter sleep mode between transmissions, conserving energy, which is especially beneficial for battery-powered devices.
Disadvantages:
- Long-range communication requirements: Nodes farther from the hub must expend more energy to maintain a reliable connection, which can strain their power resources.
- Single point of failure: The central hub is a critical component, and its failure can disrupt the entire network.
