What is network Topology?

• Network topologies describe the ways in which the elements of a
network are mapped. They describe the physical and logical
arrangement of the network nodes.
• The physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of
cables, computers, and other peripherals


• The Logical  topology of a network refers to the way in which the network appears
to the devices that use it.

Common network  Typologies

• Bus Topology

• Star Topology

• Ring Topology

• Mesh Topology

• Tree Topology

• Hybrid Topology

Bus Topology

• All the nodes (file server, workstations, and peripherals) on a bus

topology are connected by one single cable.

• A bus topology consists of a main run of cable with a terminator at

each end. All nodes (file server, workstations, and peripherals) are

connected to the linear cable.

• Popular on LANs because they are inexpensive and easy to install.

Advantages of Bus Topology

• It is Cheap, easy to handle and implement.

• Require less cable

• It is best suited for small networks.

Disadvantages of Bus Topology

• The cable length is limited. This limits the number of stations that

can be connected.

• This network topology can perform well only for a limited number of

nodes.

Ring Topology

• In a ring network, every device has exactly two neighbours for

communication purposes.

• All messages travel through a ring in the same direction.

• A failure in any cable or device breaks the loop and can take down the

entire network.

• To implement a ring network we use the Token Ring technology

• A token, or small data packet, is continuously passed around the

network. When a device needs to transmit, it reserves the token for the

next trip around, then attaches its data packet to it.

Advantage of Ring Topology

• Very orderly network where every device has access to the token and the

opportunity to transmit.

• Easier to Mange than a Bus Network

• Good Communication over long distances

• Handles high volume of traffic

Disadvantages of Ring Topology

• The failure of a single node of the network can cause the entire network

to fail.

• The movement or changes made to network nodes affects the

performance of the entire network.

Star Topology

• In a star network, each node (file server, workstations, and peripherals) is

connected to a central device called a hub.

• The hub takes a signal that comes from any node and passes it along to

all the other nodes in the network.

• Data on a star network passes through the hub, switch, or concentrator

before continuing to its destination.

• The hub, switch, or concentrator manages and controls all functions of

the network.

• The star topology reduces the chance of network failure by connecting

all of the systems to a central node.

Advantages of Star Topology

• Easy to manage

• Easy to locate problems (cable/workstations)

• Easier to expand than a bus or ring topology.

• Easy to install and wire.

• Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

Disadvantages of Star Topology

• Requires more cable length than a linear topology.

• If the hub or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled.

• More expensive because of the cost of the concentrators

Tree Topology

• A tree topology (hierarchical topology) can be viewed as a collection

of star networks arranged in a hierarchy.

• This tree has individual peripheral nodes which are required to

transmit to and receive from one other only and are not required to

act as repeaters or regenerators.

• The tree topology arranges links and nodes into distinct hierarchies in

order to allow greater control and easier troubleshooting.

• This is particularly helpful for colleges, universities and schools so

that each of the connect to the big network in some way.

Advantages of a Tree Topology

• Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.

• Supported by several hardware and software vendors.

• All the computers have access to the larger and their immediate

networks.

Disadvantages of a Tree Topology

• Overall length of each segment is limited by the type of cabling used.

• If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down.

• More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.

Mesh Topology

• In this topology, each node is connected to every other node in the

network.

• Implementing the mesh topology is expensive and difficult.

• In this type of network, each node may send message to destination

through multiple paths.

• While the data is travelling on the Mesh Network it is automatically

configured to reach the destination by taking the shortest route which

means the least number of hops.

Advantage of Mesh Topology

• No traffic problem as there are dedicated links.

• It has multiple links, so if one route is blocked then other routes can

be used for data communication.

• Points to point links make fault identification easy.

Disadvantage of Mesh Topology

• There is mesh of wiring which can be difficult to manage.

• Installation is complex as each node is connected to every node.

• Cabling cost is high.

Hybrid Topology

• A combination of any two or more network topologies.

• A hybrid topology always accrues when two different basic network

topologies are connected.

• It is a mixture of above mentioned topologies. Usually, a central

computer is attached with sub-controllers which in turn participate in

a variety of topologies

Advantages of a Hybrid Topology

• It is extremely flexible.

• It is very reliable.

Disadvantages of a Hybrid Topology

• Expensive

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It was a brief info about network topologies hope you guys understand the way i explained thanks for reading