2: ZigBee Topologies > Mesh Topology

Mesh Topology

The structure of the Mesh topology is similar to that of the Tree topology, with the Co-ordinator at the top of a tree-like structure:

• The Co-ordinator is linked to a set of Routers and End Devices - its children.
• A Router may then be linked to more Routers and End Devices - its children. This can continue to a number of levels.

However, the communication rules are more flexible in that Router nodes within range of each other can communicate directly.

This hierarchy and communication are illustrated in the animation below.

The Mesh topology gives rise to more efficient message propagation, and means that alternative routes can be found if a link fails or there is congestion. A “route discovery” feature is provided which allows the network to find the best available route for a message.

	Note that message propagation is handled by the stack software (and is transparent to the application programs).

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