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. |
| 7. | In star topology, twisted pair cable is used for connection. | In mesh topology, twisted pair cable, coaxial cable and optical fiber cable are used for connection on the basis of type of networks. |
| 8. | Star topology is used in LAN as setup is easy. | Mesh topology is used in WAN. |
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