Wireless Sensor Mesh Networking:
Traditionally, wireless networks are based on a star topology in which all nodes communicate directly with the network master, and therefore must be within direct communication range to the master. If end-to-end transmission times are critical, this can be an advantage considering that with every hop a packet traverses, some latency is added. However, star topologies lack both the fault-tolerance required for harsh industrial environments, and the ability to expand the distance of the network in large buildings or outdoor areas.
For all but the most latency-sensitive applications, mesh topologies are widely viewed as superior. In a mesh topology, data can be forwarded from node to node until the intended final destination is reached. If individual transmission segments are temporarily unavailable, data can be re-routed to an alternate path. This allows the creation of redundant wireless device networks with the ability to self-recover from single points of failure, which considerably increases overall reliability.
Using so-called hybrid topologies - the combination of star and mesh – users can capitalize on the simplicity of the star topology while maintaining the flexibility and resilience of the mesh approach. Peripheral nodes are usually referred to as leaf nodes. Wireless Sensors supports both leaf and routing node operation, and time synchronization allows all nodes to sleep most of the time to conserve power. As a result, the network layout is not constrained by power availability, and no cabling is necessary.