Introduction
In recent times, many homes and industries are abandoning the use of traditional networks and opting for wireless mesh networks. The traditional network is the old way of connecting nodes using hardware devices such as switches and routers for network traffic control. But due to the inability of the traditional network to scale perfectly when confronted with larger tasks, a wireless mesh network has been developed to correct the drawbacks. In wireless mesh networks, the networks are connected nodes via WiFi routers, wireless mesh clients, and gateways which means when one node malfunctions, it doesn’t affect the network, and the other nodes continue working until the affected node is restored. In this article, we’ll dive into the advantages and disadvantages of wireless mesh networks. Let us know more about ‘Wireless Mesh Network Disadvantages’.
Disadvantages Of Wireless Mesh Network
Despite the vast improvement of wireless mesh networks on the traditional network, it does come with its disadvantages. For example, some of them are having to connect the router to every department of your home before use, complexity to configure, more power consumption, etc.
A wireless mesh network is an interconnection of networks via the nodes, and the nodes are separate entity that powers the network. When one node malfunctions, it doesn’t affect the network as other nodes power on until the rectification of the problem. Unlike the traditional network, wireless mesh networks are more scalable, robust, and reliable. In lieu of these benefits, does that mean it doesn’t have its limitations? No way. Here are some of its limitations-
- Complexity in Configuration
If you want to implement and set up a mesh network from scratch, you might be in for a time-consuming task that requires having adequate technical know-how to operate. The complexity of configuring results from a lack of central authority that can manage and control how each node operates. But it is less complicated if you want to add or remove nodes from the network.
- Workload Increment
When a node is down, to sustain the network, the responsibility falls on the rest of the nodes, making them carry more workload than before. Moreover, the functionalities of the other nodes increase when one or two nodes stop working; this causes work overload, which might eventually crumble the network.
- More Consumption of Power
As the mode increases, so the rate of power consumption increases proportionately. Since a node is a gateway to send and receive messages across the network, it is imperative to supply more power to the system for optimum performance.
- Latency
Oftentimes, especially in an area where there is less power, memory, or bandwidth, nodes suffer from latency when transmitting messages across the board. This can increase the time taken to send the message to the time the message is delivered.
What Are The Advantages of Wireless Mesh Network?
If you are trying to enhance the wireless network of your home or workplace, here are some advantages you should be expecting-
- Reliability
Reliability is one of the benefits derived from using the wireless mesh network. This means that you can bank on the network to continue functioning even if there is a problem within the network. For instance, if there is to be a glitch with one of the nodes, another node in proximity can take over the functionality of that node without the users losing their data or their internet getting interrupted.
- Robustness
Also, wireless mesh networks have robust strength. The entire network will still work unless all the interconnected nodes powers down. If one or two of the nodes is affected, it still tends to recover and re-route itself.
- No Wiring Connection Problem
Before, if you are to connect five computers across a local area network (LAN), you’ll need to have different cables, switches, routers, and connectors to connect them, which come at an extra cost. There is no such problem with the wireless mesh network.
Estimated Cover Area Of A Wireless Mesh Network
Ordinarily, a wireless mesh network will provide coverage for small or large homes. On average, it has a coverage capacity of 2,000-5,500 square feet. But if you want to power a large industry with more workload, then you only need to add some new nodes to the network, and you are good to go.
Conclusion
Wireless Mesh Network is an upgrade on the traditional network, with more capacity for scalability than the traditional network. It uses an interconnection of nodes to make up the network. It has advantages like reliability, robustness, and more scalability, while its disadvantages include: difficulty to configure, consumption of more power, increment in workload, etc.
If you finally settle for a wireless mesh network, you have to make decisions like proper planning, power supply, and the estimated cost before you start.
FAQs
- Is Wireless Mesh Network Worth It?
If you are buoyant enough, try a wireless mesh network because of its reliability and fastness. For your industry, wireless mesh networks will improve your capacity and effectiveness.
- Can I Use A Wireless Mesh Network With An Existing Router?
Yes, you can use it, but it is not recommended. It is designed to be a substitute for your existing router. When you are stalling a wireless mesh network, you are expected to remove the initial router. If you don’t remove it, it will disable some features of the network. Overall, it is better to remove your existing router before installing the mesh network.