Which feature enhances the reliability of a mesh network?

The feature that enhances the reliability of a mesh network is the existence of multiple pathways connecting nodes. In a mesh network, each node is interconnected with several others, which creates numerous alternative communication routes. This redundancy is significant because if one pathway or node fails, the remaining connections can still facilitate communication within the network.

This characteristic ensures that data can still be routed through different paths without interruption, reducing the likelihood of network failures and improving overall resilience. As a result, mesh networks can maintain functionality even in adverse conditions where some connections might be disrupted.

In contrast, a single point of access introduces a vulnerability; if that access point fails, it could lead to a complete network failure. Centralized data management goes against the decentralized nature of a mesh network, where each node ideally handles its own data. Limited node connectivity restricts the number of pathways and increases the chance of failure, which diminishes reliability. Hence, having multiple pathways is essential for maintaining the robustness and reliability characteristic of mesh networks.