A mesh network is a decentralized communication structure where multiple devices, known as nodes, connect directly to one another to form a self-organizing, resilient web that routes data dynamically. Unlike traditional star networks reliant on a single central hub, mesh topologies allow nodes to act as repeaters, forwarding data to neighbors until it reaches its destination, which creates multiple paths for information flow.

Key characteristics and advantages include self-healing capabilities that automatically reroute traffic if a node fails, scalability that supports adding devices without reconfiguring the entire system, and extended range achieved by hopping signals through intermediate nodes. These networks are particularly effective for IoT deployments and large homes, utilizing protocols like Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth Mesh, and Wi-Fi to cover areas where a single access point cannot reach.

However, mesh networks can face challenges such as increased latency due to multi-hop routing, limited bandwidth compared to wired connections, and higher setup complexity in dense environments. While wireless mesh offers convenience and flexibility, wired backhaul connections often provide superior performance and reliability, though many modern mesh WiFi systems support both wired and wireless inter-node connections to optimize speed.