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NETWORK TOPOLOGY
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Diagram of different network topologies.
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Introduction
A topology refers to both the physical and
logical layout of a network. The physical
topology of a network refers to the actual layout
of the computer cables and other network
devices.
The logical topology of a network, on the other
hand, refers to the way in which the network
appears to the devices that use it.
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Types
Several topologies are in use for networks
today. Some of the more common include.
Bus topology
Ring topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Tree topology
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Bus TopologyAll devices are connected to a central
cable, called the bus or backbone.
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Advantages
Compared to other topologies, a bus is
cheap and easy to implement.
Requires less cable than other topologies.
Does not use any specialized network
equipment.
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Disadvantages
There might be network disruption when
computers are added or removed.
Because all systems on the network
connect to a single backbone, a break in
the cable will prevent all systems from
accessing the network.
Difficult to troubleshoot.
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Ring Topology
All devices are connected to one another
in the shape of a closed loop, so that each
device is connected directly to two other
devices, one on either side of it.
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Advantages
Cable faults are easily located, making
troubleshooting easier.
Ring networks are moderately easy to
install.
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Disadvantages
Expansion to the network can cause
network disruption.
A single break in the cable can disrupt the
entire network.
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Star Topology
In the star topology, all computers and other network
devices connect to a central device called a hub or
switch.
Each connected device requires a single cable to be
connected to the hub, creating a point-to-point
connection between the device and the hub.
Using a separate cable to connect to the hub allows the
network to be expanded without disruption to the
network. A break in any single cable will not cause the
entire network to fail.
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Star Topology
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Advantages
Star networks are easily expanded without
disruption to the network.
Cable failure affects only a single user.
Easy to troubleshoot and isolate problems.
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Disadvantages
Requires more cable than most of the
other topologies.
A central connecting device allows for a
single point of failure.
More difficult than other topologies to
implement.
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Mesh Topology
The mesh topology incorporates a unique network
design in which each computer on the network
connects to every other, creating a point-to-point
connection between every device on the network.
The purpose of the mesh design is to provide a
high level of redundancy. If one network cable
fails, the data always has an alternative path to
get to its destination.
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Mesh topology
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Advantages
Provides redundant paths between
devices
The network can be expanded without
disruption to current users.
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Disadvantages
Requires more cable than the other LAN
topologies.
Complicated implementation.
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Tree topology
Tree topologies are comprised of the multiple star
topologies on a bus. Tree topologies integrate
multiple star topologies together onto a bus.
Only the hub devices can connect directly with the
tree bus and each Hub functions as a root of a tree
of the network devices.
This bus/star/hybrid combination supports future
expandability of the computer networks, much
better than a bus or star.
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Tree Topology
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Advantages
It is the best topology for a large computer network for
which a star topology or ring topology are unsuitable due
to the sheer scale of the entire network. Tree topology
divides the whole network into parts that are more easily
manageable.
Tree topology makes it possible to have a point to point
network.
All computers have access to their immediate neighbors in
the network and also the central hub. This kind of network
makes it possible for multiple network devices to be
connected with the central hub.
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Advantage
It overcomes the limitation of star network
topology, which has a limitation of hub
connection points and the broadcast traffic
induced limitation of a bus network
topology.
A tree network provides enough room for
future expansion of a network.
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Disadvantage
Dependence of the entire network on one
central hub is a point of vulnerability for
this topology.
A failure of the central hub or failure of
the main data trunk cable, can cripple the
whole network.
With increase in size beyond a point, the
management becomes difficult.
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The End
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