A mesh network is a local area network topology in which the infrastructure nodes (i.e. bridges, switches, and other infrastructure devices) connect directly, dynamically and non-hierarchically to as many other nodes as possible and cooperate with one another to efficiently route data to and from clients.
The ability to self-configure enables dynamic distribution of workloads, particularly in the event a few nodes should fail.
Self-healing allows a routing-based network to operate when a node breaks down or when a connection becomes unreliable.
Although mostly used in wireless situations, this concept can also apply to wired networks and to software interaction.
Fully connected wired networks are more secure and reliable: problems in a cable affect only the two nodes attached to it.