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Difference between Star and Mesh Topology

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Star Topology: In Star topology, the nodes are connected to the central hub or router in which the information is travel from the 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 a dedicated link in which the information is travel from node to node. 

Prerequisite - Network Topologies 

Star Topology

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

Mesh Topology

Difference between Star and Mesh Topology:

Star Topology Mesh Topology
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.
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.
The cost of Star topology is less. The cost of Mesh topology is expensive.
The complexity of Star topology is quite simple. The complexity of Mesh topology is complex.
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.
Star topology is very good extensible. Mesh topology is poor extensible.
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.
Star topology is used in LAN as setup is easy. Mesh topology is used in WAN.
It is less robust as compared to mesh topology. It is highly robust.
The breakdown of central hub leads to failure of entire network. The breakdown of a node does not affect other nodes in  a network.
It is easy to install and reconfigure. It is difficult to install and reconfigure because of extensive cabling.

Last Updated : 19 Jan, 2023
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