MESH Control Network Topologies

There are four basic MESH Control Network topologies supported by the I/A Series system

• Linear
• Ring
• Star:
  ‒ Double Star
• Inverted Tree:
  ‒ Modified Inverted Tree

Linear Topology

• Small 2 – switch networks

• Failure of one component do not affect others

Ring Topology

• Three to seven switches
• Failure of one switch results in linear topology
• Failure of one component does not affect others units of controller

Star Topology

• Medium and large networks
• Edge switches connected to root
• Roots connected to:
  – Other Root
  – Edge Switches
• Redundant paths:
  – limitation of 40 switches on
  the Edges when Gold Series
  blades are used
  – 166 when Platinum Series
  Blades are used

Double Star Topology

• Medium and large networks
• Each root connected to:
  – Other Root
  – Edge switches
  – Double Star path
• Redundant paths:
  – Bandwidth considerations between
  Switches must be observed
  – Majority of peer-to-peer end device
  communications:
• Should reside local to the individual Star
  topologies

Inverted Tree Topology

• Large networks
• Tiers:
  – Roots in top tier
  – Up to 3 tiers below Roots
• Roots connected:
  – Tier even number of switches
  – Switch connected to two different
  Switches in the tier above it
  – Up to 250 total switches

Modified Inverted Tree Topology

• Large networks
• Tiers:
  – Roots in top tier
  – Up to 3 tiers below roots
• Roots connected
• Cost consideration:
  – This topology utilizes low end,
  low cost switches as edge devices