Which networking topology allows for direct communication between devices and is least prone to traffic bottlenecks?

The mesh networking topology is characterized by its direct communication links between multiple devices, allowing for efficient data transmission. Each device in a mesh network is either connected to every other device or has multiple paths for data to travel, which significantly reduces the likelihood of traffic bottlenecks. This redundancy also enhances reliability and resilience, as the failure of one connection does not disrupt the overall network's operation.

In contrast, the bus topology has a single central cable where all devices share the same communication line, leading to potential bottlenecks as the number of devices increases. The star topology relies on a central hub or switch to manage traffic between devices, and while it is simple and straightforward, the hub can become a single point of failure and can also experience traffic congestion if too many devices are transmitting data simultaneously. The ring topology connects all devices in a circular loop, where data travels in one direction. Although this can sometimes facilitate communication, it can also lead to delays and failure of the entire network if one device goes down.

In summary, mesh topology's design promotes direct communication and multiple paths for data, making it the least likely to encounter traffic bottlenecks compared to other topologies.