What does the term "mesh topology" imply?

The term "mesh topology" describes a network architecture where each node is interconnected with others, forming multiple pathways for data transmission. This interconnectivity ensures that there are several routes for data to travel between any two nodes, which enhances the network's resilience and redundancy. In a mesh topology, if one connection goes down, data can still reach its destination through an alternative path. This quality makes mesh topology particularly useful for scenarios where reliability and fault tolerance are critical, such as in military applications, large metropolitan area networks, or wireless networks.

In contrast, other network configurations have distinct characteristics. For instance, a central hub in another type of topology connects all devices directly to it, which can create a single point of failure if the hub fails. A linear setup, where devices are placed in a series, can limit network efficiency, as all devices share the same communication line, potentially leading to bottlenecks. Hierarchical models introduce layers of hierarchy that can complicate network management but do not provide the direct interconnectivity characteristic of mesh topology.