Network Topology

Network Topology
Computer network topology is the way various

components of a network (like nodes, links,
peripherals, etc) are arranged.
The way in which different systems and nodes

are connected and communicate with each
other is determined by topology of the network.
Topology can be physical or logical
• Physical Topology is the physical layout of
nodes, workstations and cables in the
network.
• Logical topology is the way information flows
between different components.
Types of Physical Network Topologies
• Bus Topology
• Star Topology
• Ring Topology
• Mesh Topology
• Tree Topology
• Hybrid Topology
Bus Topology
In the bus topology, the computers are connected

through a common communication media.
A special type of central wire is used as

communication media. This central wire is called Bus.
The computer are attached through the bus the ends

of the bus are closed with the terminator .
Advantages of Bus Topology
• Easy to install and configure
• Inexpensive
• Easily extended
• Used in small network
Disadvantages of Bus Topology
• Management costs can be high
• Cables fails then whole network fails
• Difficult troubleshooting
Star Topology
The star topology uses a separate cable for each work

station as shown in fig.The cable connects the work
station to a central device typically a HUB.
The configuration provides a more reliable network that

is easily expended. With star there is no central point of
failure in the cable .If there is a problem with the cable
only the station connected to that cable is a effected.
Advantages of Star Topology
• Easily expended and modified
• Easy to troubleshoot
• Multiple cable types supported by hub
• Low startup costs
Disadvantages of Star Topology
• If hub fails then entire network will fail
• Require more cables
• May require a device to rebroadcast signals
across the network
• Cost of installation is high
Ring Topology
Every computer is connected to the

next computer in the ring and each
transmits what it receives from the
previous computer. The messages
flow around the ring in one direction.
Advantages
• It provides an orderly network in which every
device has access to the token and can
transmit.
• It performs well under a heavy load.
Disadvantages
• Failure of one computer can effect the whole
network .
• Difficult to troubleshoot.
• Change mode with adding or removing a
device effect the entire network.
Mesh Topology
A mesh network or mesh topology uses

separate cable to connect each device to every
other device on the network, providing a
straight communication path.
For sending messages, check the cable

connected into two devices. A message is send
directly from sender to receiver because each
one has individual and separate connection.
Advantages
• Enhance for error tolerance provided by
redundant links.
• Easy to troubleshoot.
• Provide security and privacy
Disadvantages
• Difficult to install and maintain.
• Expensive.
• Bulk wiring is required
Tree Topology
In networking, tree topology is a

structure where devices are
connected hierarchically. It resembles
a tree with a root node and various
branches. The root node is connected
to multiple levels of child nodes,
forming a hierarchy
Advantages
• It is scalable. Secondary nodes allow more
devices to be connected to a central node.
• Point to point connection of devices.
• Having different levels of the network makes it
more manageable hence easier fault
identification and isolation.
Disadvantages
• Maintenance of the network may be an issue
when the network spans a great area.
• Since it is a variation of bus topology, if the
backbone fails, the entire network is crippled.
Hybrid Topology
Hybrid networks use a combination of any two or

more topologies in such a way that the resulting
network does not exhibit one of the standard
topologies (e.g., bus, star, ring, etc.).
A hybrid topology is always produced when two

different basic network topologies are connected.
Two common examples for Hybrid network
are: star ring network and star bus network.
Advantage
• Reliable as error detecting and trouble
shooting is easy
• Effective
• Scalable
• Flexible
Disadvantage
• Complex in design
• Costly

Network Topology

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Network Topology

Computer network topology is the way various

The way in which different systems and nodes

In the bus topology, the computers are connected

A special type of central wire is used as

The computer are attached through the bus the ends

The star topology uses a separate cable for each work

The configuration provides a more reliable network that

Every computer is connected to the

A mesh network or mesh topology uses

For sending messages, check the cable

In networking, tree topology is a

Hybrid networks use a combination of any two or

A hybrid topology is always produced when two

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