Network Topology

Network Topology

The approach of connecting different computers in a network is known as Topology. Network topology is an arrangement of layout in which various computers are connected to one another. On the basis of network topology, network can be classified into five main types:

• Bus Topology
• Ring Topology
• Star Topology
• Mesh Topology
• Tree Topology

Bus Topology

In Bus Topology a single cable known as backbone or bus carries all the data (traffic). Communication travels in both the directions along the line, and can be received by any node. All the computers, printers and other peripheral devices that are being shared are connected to the bus.  This topology is normally used for small network.

Advantages:-

• Failure of any computer or device does not affect others.
• It is easy to install and economical, as it consumes a single communication cable.
• A new PC can be easily connected to the existing network with just a short cable.

Disadvantages:-

• It is not easy to detect faults.
• In case of any problem with the cable, the entire network breaks down.

Ring Topology

In Ring Topology all the computers and other devices are connected to each other in a closed circuit. There is no central device to link the network as in bus topology. It forms a continuous pathway for signals through each node and the communication flows in one direction around the ring. Each system can pass data to its adjacent system.

Advantages:-

• All data flows in one direction, reducing the chance of packet collisions.
• A network server is not needed to control network connectivity between each node.
• Data can transfer between workstations at high speeds.

Disadvantages:-

• Failure in any cable or node can disrupt the entire network.

Star Topology

A star topology is a network topology in which all the network nodes are individually connected to a central switch/ hub which acts as a central point of communication to pass on the messages.

In a star topology, there are different nodes called hosts and there is a central point of communication called server or hub.

Advantages:-

• Easy to manage and maintain the network because each node require separate cable.
• Easy to locate problems because cable failure only affect a single user.

Disadvantages:-

• Cost of installation is high because it needs separate cable for separate host.
• If a hub or switch fails, all the devices connected to it will have no network connection.

Mesh Topology

In Mesh Topology every computer is connected to every other computer on the network. Computers can be connected by two methods Full Mesh topology and Partial Mesh topology. Full mesh topology is very much expensive to implement than partial mesh topology because each and every computer is connected to each other, while in partial mesh few computers are connected.

Advantages:-

• Data can be transmitted from different devices simultaneously.
• Even if one of the components fails, there is always an alternative present. So that data transfer doesn’t get affected.
• Modification and expansion in this topology can be done without disrupting other nodes.

Disadvantages:-

• There are high chances of redundancy in many of the network connection.
• Overall cost of this network is way too high as compared to other typologies.

Tree Topology

Tree topology network combines the characteristic of bus and star topology. Groups of star topology networks are formed which are connected to bus backbone cable.

Advantages:-

• It allows for easy expansion of an existing network.
• Scalability of the network depends upon the type of cable used.

Disadvantages:-

• It is difficult to configure and wire.
• If the backbone line breaks, the entire network can be disrupted.