Topologies

Topology is the configuration of a communication network. The design or style determines the type of hardware you are going to use.

Topology is the way a network is laid out

 Computer networks consist of two or more machines connected to each other through network media such as network interface cards, network cabling,

routers and bridges.

The selection of a specific topology for a given network is based on practicality, cost, security and ease of management.
Network topology involves cabling, client computers, routers and hubs.

Types of Topologies
Basic network topologies are. 1. Star Topology
2.

Bus Topology

3.
4.

Ring Topology
Mesh Topology

5.
6.

Tree Topology
Hybrid Topology

Star Topology
Star topology has each machine connecting to a central network device such as a hub or a router, with all network traffic passing through the central device. Systems/nodes

hub

The network does not necessarily have to resemble a star to be classified as a star network, but all of the nodes on the network must be connected to one central device.

Advantages :

Star topology isolates each machine so that if the cable on one is broken, the others are unaffected. The star topology is considered the easiest topology to design and implement the star topology is the simplicity of adding additional nodes.
Disadvantages : The primary disadvantage of the star topology is that the hub represents a single point of failure, if the central hub or router fails, then the entire network will go dark.

Bus Topology
In bus network, all stations are attached to a single cable. When a device sends a message, it is broadcast down on the cable in both directions. Terminators at the end of the cable prevent the signal from reflecting back to the sender. All devices on the cable constantly monitor for messages meant to them. When a device detects a message meant for it, it reads the message from the cable and the other stations will ignore it. Since all devices are sharing the same cable, some form of control is needed to make sure which device will transmit when,otherwise there will be a collision.

Advantages : Easy to wire, quick response, less expensive, and if one station dies, it has no effect on the total network. It requires less cable than other topologies. It is a simple design and easy to put into operation Disadvantage : However bad connection to the cable can short it and bring down the entire network. Bus topology is subject to failure of large portions of the network if there is a break in the network cable. Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable.

Ring Topology
A ring topology is a network topology where each node (device on the network) connects to two other nodes. This forms a continuous path for the signal through each device.

Each device incorporates a receiver for the incoming signal and a transmitter to send the data on to the next device in the ring.

Advantages :
The ring topology is a very organized network topology, and it performs well under a hefty network load. It can also be used to create a larger Token Ring network. The network is dependent on the ability of the signal to travel around the ring A ring topology is ideal for small businesses that need to share data across offices. While it is limited in certain ways, it can greatly cut a company's networking costs. Disadvantages : One bad port, or even a bad node, can disrupt the entire network. Merely moving a node, adding to or changing the network can also affect the network. Failure of one device shuts down the entire network. This is an old topology that is rarely used today.

Mesh Topology
A network setup where each computer and network device is interconnected with one another, allowing for most transmissions to be distributed, even if one of the connections go down

Its variation of the bus topology . Instead of a central backbone cable, each device on the network is connected to every other device and each device can serve as a router to route information to its destination device.

Advantages : The network can be expanded without disruption to current users. Provides multiple paths between devices. Even if one of the components fails there is always an alternative present. So data transfer doesnt get affected.

Disadvantages : The physical fully connected mesh topology is generally too costly and complex for practical networks. Set-up and maintenance of this topology is very difficult. Even administration of the network is tough. There are high chances of redundancy(duplication of data) in many of the network connections.

Tree Topology
Tree Topology integrates the characteristics of Star and Bus Topology.

It consists of multiple star networks connected together by a single backbone bus. The hub of each star network is connected to the central backbone.

Advantages : It is scalable . Secondary nodes allow more devices to be connected to a central node. Network expansion and alteration is easier. Having different levels of the network makes it more manageable hence easier fault identification and isolation.

Disadvantages : If the central backbone fails, the individual star networks continue to function. Maintenance of the network may be an issue when the network spans a great area.
Eg : cable tv network

Hybrid Topology
As networks grew beyond single offices, the need for topologies that could support larger numbers of machine became apparent. Large networks use one or more of the main topologies to create a hybrid topology. While each office may be a star topology, the servers may be wired in a ring or linear bus topology.

Advantages : Reliable : Unlike other networks, fault detection and troubleshooting is easy in this type of topology. The part in which fault is detected can be isolated from the rest of network and required corrective measures can be taken, WITHOUT affecting the functioning of rest of the network. Scalable: Its easy to increase the size of network by adding new components, without disturbing existing architecture. Flexible: Hybrid Network can be designed according to the requirements of the organization and by optimizing the available resources. Special care can be given to nodes where traffic is high as well as where chances of fault are high. Effective: Hybrid topology is the combination of two or more topologies, so we can design it in such a way that strengths of constituent topologies are maximized while there weaknesses are neutralized. For example we saw Ring Topology has good data reliability and Star topology has high tolerance capability (as each node is not directly connected to other but through central device), so these two can be used effectively in hybrid starring topology.

Disadvantages Complexity of Design: One of the biggest drawback of hybrid topology is its design. Its not easy to design this type of architecture and its a tough job for designers. Configuration and installation process needs to be very efficient. Costly Hub: The hubs used to connect two distinct networks, are very expensive. These hubs are different from usual hubs as they need to be intelligent enough to work with different architectures and should be function even if a part of network is down. Costly Infrastructure: As hybrid architectures are usually larger in scale, they require a lot of cables, cooling systems, sophisticate network devices, etc.