TOPOLOGY

Network topology is the arrangement of the elements of a communication network. Network

topology can be used to define or describe the arrangement of various types of
telecommunication networks, including command and control radio networks, industrial field
busses and computer networks. A Network Topology is the arrangement with which
computer systems or network devices are connected to each
other. Topologies may define both physical and logical aspect of the network.
 TYPES OF TOPOLOGY

MESH STAR TREE BUS RING

 MESH TOPOLOGY
A mesh network is a local network topology in which the infrastructure nodes connect
directly, dynamically and non-hierarchically to as many other nodes as possible and
cooperate with one another to efficiently route data from/to clients. This lack of dependency
on one node allows for every node to participate in the relay of information. Mesh networks
dynamically self-organize and self-configure, which can reduce installation overhead. The
ability to self-configure enables dynamic distribution of workloads, particularly in the event
that a few nodes should fail. This in turn contributes to fault-tolerance and reduced
maintenance costs.
 Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages Disadvantages
• The cost to implement is higher than
• Manages high amounts of traffic, other network topologies, making it a
because multiple devices can less desirable option.
transmit data simultaneously. • Building and maintaining the topology
• A failure of one device does not is difficult and time consuming.
cause a break in the network or • The chance of redundant connections
transmission of data. is high, which adds to the high costs
and potential for reduced efficiency.
• Adding additional devices does
not disrupt data transmission
between other devices.
 STAR TOPOLOGY
A star network is an implementation of a spoke-hub distribution paradigm in computer
networks. In a star network, every host is connected to a central hub. In its simplest form,
one central hub acts as a conduit to transmit messages. The star network is one of the most
common computer network topologies.
The hub and hosts, and the transmission lines between them, form a graph with
the topology of a star. Data on a star network passes through the hub before continuing to
its destination. The hub manages and controls all functions of the network. It also acts as
a repeater for the data flow.
The star configuration is commonly used with twisted pair cable and optical fiber cable.
However, it can also be used with coaxial cable.
 Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages Disadvantages
• If one node or its connection • Expensive due to the number
breaks, it does not affect the and length of cables needed to
other computers nor their wire each host to the central
connections hub
• Devices can be added or • The central hub is a single point
removed without disturbing the of failure for the network
network
• Works well under heavy load
• Appropriate for a large network
 TREE TOPOLOGY
A tree network, or star-bus network, is a hybrid network topology in which star
networks are interconnected via bus networks. Tree networks are hierarchical, and
each node can have an arbitrary number of child nodes. It is a very useful method
specially in the business
A tree topology is a special type of structure in which many connected elements are
arranged like the branches of a tree. For example, tree topologies are frequently used
to organize the computers in a corporate network, or the information in a database
 Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages Disadvantages

• Scalable as leaf nodes can • Huge cabling is needed

accommodate more nodes in the • A lot of maintenance is needed
hierarchical chain.
• backbone forms the point of
• A point to point wiring to the central failure.
hub at each intermediate node of a
tree topology represents a node in
the bus topology
• Other hierarchical networks are not
affected if one of them gets
damaged
• Easier maintenance and fault finding
 BUS TOPOLOGY
A bus network is a network topology in which nodes are directly connected to a common
linear half-duplex link called a bus.
A host on a bus network is called a Station or workstation. In a bus network, every station
will receive all network traffic, and the traffic generated by each station has equal
transmission priority. A bus network forms a single network segment and collision domain.
In order for nodes to transmit on the same bus simultaneously, they use a media access
control technology such as carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) or a bus master.
If any link or segment of the bus is severed, all network transmission ceases due to signal
bounce caused by the lack of a terminating resistor.
 Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages Disadvantages
• Very easy to connect a computer or peripheral • The entire network shuts down if there
to a linear bus. is a break in the main cable or one of
• Requires less cable length than a star topology the T connectors break
resulting in lower costs • Large amount of packet collisions on
• The linear architecture is very simple and the network, which results in high
reliable amounts of packet loss
• It works well for small networks • This topology is slow with many nodes
in the network
• It is easy to extend by joining cable with
connector or repeater • It is difficult to isolate any faults on the
Network
• If one node fails, it will not affect the whole
network
 RING TOPOLOGY
A ring network is a network topology in which each node connects to exactly two other nodes,
forming a single continuous pathway for signals through each node - a ring. Data travels from
node to node, with each node along the way handling every packet.
Rings can be unidirectional, with all traffic travelling either clockwise or anticlockwise around
the ring, or bidirectional Because a unidirectional ring topology provides only one pathway
between any two nodes, unidirectional ring networks may be disrupted by the failure of a
single link. in the event of a break, data are wrapped back onto the complementary ring before
reaching the end of the cable, maintaining a path to every node along the resulting C-Ring.
 Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages Disadvantages

• One malfunctioning workstation can create

• Very orderly network where every device has access
problems for the entire network.
to the token and the opportunity to transmit
• Moving, adding and changing the devices can affect
• Performs better than a bus topology under heavy
the network
network load
• Communication delay is directly proportional to
• Does not require a central node to manage the
number of nodes in the network
connectivity between the computers
• Bandwidth is shared on all links between devices
• Point to point line configuration makes it easy to
identify and isolate faults. • More difficult to configure than a Star: node
adjunction = Ring shutdown and reconfiguration
• the traffic does not require individual rerouting.