A mesh network is a network topology where each node (device) connects to multiple other nodes, forming a web-like structure. This differs from traditional networks where devices connect to a central hub like a router. Mesh networks offer increased reliability, improved coverage, and stronger signals. **How Mesh Networks Work:** - **Nodes:** Each device in the network acts as a node, which can include routers, switches, computers, or any other internet-capable devices. - **Communication:** Nodes communicate directly with each other, establishing multiple pathways for data transmission. - **Self-healing:** If one node fails, the data can be rerouted through other nodes, ensuring continuous connectivity. - **Increased Range:** Each node extends the network's range, effectively eliminating dead zones. **Technologies Enhancing Mesh Networks:** - **WiFi 7:** The latest Wi-Fi standard, designed to improve mesh network performance with higher speeds, lower latency, and better interference management. This results in faster and more reliable communication between nodes. ### Mesh Network vs. Service Mesh **Mesh Network (Hardware Solution):** - **Definition:** A mesh network in hardware involves physical devices (routers, switches, computers) connecting directly to one another to form a network. It enhances internet coverage and reliability in a given physical area. - **Components:** Involves hardware nodes like routers and switches. - **Functionality:** Provides extended network coverage, fault tolerance, and improved signal strength through direct node communication and multiple data pathways. **Service Mesh (Software Solution):** - **Definition:** A [[service mesh]] is a dedicated infrastructure layer that controls service-to-service communication within a microservices architecture. It abstracts the networking logic from the application and manages it through proxies. - **Components:** Consists of a set of network proxies deployed alongside application code, typically within containers. - **Functionality:** Manages service discovery, load balancing, encryption, authentication, authorization, and observability. It handles network communication logic such as retries, failovers, and monitoring. **Roles in Service Mesh:** - **Istio:** A service mesh providing a uniform way to connect, secure, control, and observe microservices. Manages traffic flow, load balancing, security, and observability. - **Consul:** A service discovery and configuration platform. Helps microservices discover and communicate with each other, maintains network topology, and provides health checks and failure detection. ### In Summary - **Mesh Network (Hardware):** Uses physical devices to create a robust, self-healing network with extensive coverage and reliability. - **Service Mesh (Software):** Uses software to manage the complexities of microservices communication, enhancing service discovery, security, and observability. Together, these concepts ensure robust network connectivity and efficient service management in both physical and software-defined environments. # References ```dataview Table title as Title, authors as Authors where contains(subject, "mesh network") ```