Difference between Star and Mesh Topology

Prerequisite – Network Topologies

Star Topology:
In Star topology, the nodes are connected to the central hub or router in which the information is travel from central hub or router to all the nodes. There are n links in Star topology, if there are n nodes. The nodes are connected to each other completely via dedicated link in which the information is travel from nodes to nodes.

Figure – Star topology

Mesh Topology:
In Mesh topology, the nodes are connected to each other completely via dedicated link in which the information is travel from nodes to nodes and there are N(N-1)/2 links in Mesh topology, if there are N nodes.

Figure – Mesh topology

Difference between Star and Mesh Topology:

S.NO	Star Topology	Mesh Topology
1.	In star topology, the nodes are connected to the central hub or router.	In mesh topology, the nodes are connected to each other completely via dedicated link.
2.	There are N links in Star topology, if there are N nodes.	There are N(N-1)/2 links in Mesh topology, if there are N nodes.
3.	The cost of Star topology is less.	The cost of Mesh topology is expensive.
4.	The complexity of Star topology is quite simple.	The complexity of Mesh topology is complex.
5.	In star topology, the information is travel from central hub or router to all the nodes.	In mesh topology, the information is travel from nodes to nodes.
6.	Star topology is very good extensible.	Mesh topology is poor extensible.

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