Understanding Network Topology

Sensor networks are the backbone of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0. They provide the data that drives automated systems: both feedback for control loops and status information for all of the components (nodes) of the connected systems. Sensor data has to be reliable and available as closely as possible to real time, that is, with minimum latency. How this data is communicated is therefore critical. There are different topologies for establishing sensor communication networks. Understanding them is key to building a successful system.