Mesh Networking

A network topology where devices connect to multiple neighbors and relay data for each other, creating self-healing networks. Enables extended coverage without additional infrastructure and automatic route optimization. Common in Zigbee and some BLE implementations.

See Mesh Network entry for complete definition. Mesh Networking and Mesh Network are synonymous terms referring to peer-to-peer network topology where nodes forward data for each other, creating redundant paths and extended range without centralized infrastructure dependency. In industrial RTLS context, mesh networking occasionally used for infrastructure communications backhaul or coverage extension, though star topology with fixed anchors remains dominant architecture due to better performance, simpler management, and more accurate positioning.

Key characteristics relevant to RTLS: self-healing capability (automatic rerouting if node fails), extended range through multi-hop routing (messages passing through intermediate nodes), distributed intelligence (no single point of failure), but also increased complexity (topology discovery and route optimization), variable latency (multi-hop delays), and capacity limitations (each hop consuming bandwidth). Mesh networking more common in industrial sensor networks and building automation than RTLS positioning systems.