RFSTAR vs MESH Network Topologies: Key Differences
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This article compares Star and Mesh network topologies, highlighting their differences in a tabular format. We’ll explore these topologies with a focus on their application in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
STAR Network Topology
The figure below illustrates a single star topology network configuration. In this setup, each UAV is directly connected to the ground station. Another configuration is a multi-star configuration where UAVs form multiple star configurations. In this variation, one node from each star topology group connects to the ground station.
Star topology tends to have higher latency, and its operation heavily depends on the ground station’s functionality.
Image Alt: STAR vs MESH
MESH Network Topology
There are primarily two types of Mesh topologies:
- Flat Mesh: In this type, all nodes are interconnected, and at least one node is connected to the ground station.
- Hierarchical Mesh: This configuration involves several mesh groups organized in different hierarchies. A node from the mesh group at the lowest hierarchy connects to the ground station.
Mesh topologies offer greater flexibility, reliability, and security compared to star topologies.
Tabular Difference between Star Network and Mesh Network
The following table summarizes the key differences between Star and Mesh network topologies:
| Feature | STAR Network | MESH Network |
|---|---|---|
| Connection Type | Point to Point Connection between nodes | Multi-point to multi-point connection between nodes |
| Infrastructure | Infrastructure based | Infrastructure or Ad hoc based |
| Control | Central control point is present | Infrastructure based networks have a control center, while Ad hoc based networks do not. |
| Configuration | It is not self configuring. | It is self configuring. |
| Communication Hops | Single hop from node to central point | Multi hop communication |
| Node Mobility | Devices or nodes cannot move freely. | In Ad hoc mode, devices are autonomous and free to move. In Infrastructure mode, movement of nodes is restricted around the control center. |
| Link Configuration | Links between nodes and central control are fixed. | Inter node links are intermittent. |
| Data Transmission | Nodes communicate via control center. | Nodes relay traffic for other nodes on the path. |
