Network Topologies || Overview

Topology defines the geographic, physical or logical arrangement of computer networking devices. The term Topology refers to the way in which the various nodes or computers of a network are linked together. It describes the actual network layout of computer network hardware.
The Different Network Topologies are:-
1.BUS TOPOLOGY:- Also known as Linear Topology, In Bus Topology, there is a central cable which joins all the computers in the system. This cable is known as the backbone of the network as if it damages, the whole network will fail. This is a Client-Server Network. More on it in Network Architecture. This Topology is used in small networks where cable requirement is relatively small. The main disadvantage of Bus Topology is that if the main cable fails the entire network becomes unstable.


2.RING TOPOLOGY:- In a Ring Topology, all the nodes in the network are connected in a circular manner. Each node connects to exactly two other nodes, forming a single continuous pathway for signals. When one node sends a message to another node, which is not adjacent to it, data travels through all the intermediate nodes until it reaches its final destination. Ring Topologies are used in both LAN and WAN setups. The main disadvantage of this topology is that if one workstation goes down, the entire network gets affected. Since data being transferred over the network has to pass through each workstation, this makes it slower than a Star Topology.
 
3.STAR TOPOLOGY:- In this type of network, each device is connected to a central computer, generally server, using a point to point connection. The central Server acts as a Hub. Every computer can communicate  across the network through the central computer. Star topology is popular because of its low startup cost. It is very easy to add a new device to the network as only one cable is required and the configuration is simple. Moreover the network is robust; if any one connection in network fails, the other connection remains intact. But if the central Hub fails, the entire network goes down.
4.MESH TOPOLOGY:- In mesh topology, each node is connected to every other node in the network. In this topology, every node not only sends its own signals but also relays data from other nodes. This type of topology can handle a large volume of traffic. It is commonly used in Wireless Networks. In case, if one of the components fails, there is always an alternative present so that the data transfer does not get affected. Even expansion and modification can be done in this topology without affecting other nodes. The overall cost of this network is extremely high as compared to other topologies.



5.TREE TOPOLOGY:- Tree Topology is one of the most common network setup that consists of a group of star figured workstations connected to a linear bus backbone cable. In tree Topology, one star network is connected to the other star networks. In a tree network, a cable failure in one of the star network isolates only the workstation that is linked to the central computer of that star network, whereas, ll the other workstations will continue to function normally. If a central computer goes down, the entire workstation connected to it will suffer with either degraded performance or complete failure, but the rest of the network will continue to function normally. In the tree Topology, expansion of a network is easy but maintenance becomes difficult.


6.HYBRID TOPOLOGY:- Hybrid Topology is a combination of two or more network topologies. The individual topology could be a star, ring, bus, or even mesh, but the star and ring topologies are used most often in a hybrid model. Since the existing network can be combined together by adding the necessary hardware, so it makes Hybrid Technology easy to implement, maintain as well as scale up.



Well, I really hope you now understand about topologies. If you liked this blog make sure to check out our other blogs.


We Do Not Own any of the Images provided on this page other than the property of Cyber Lifestyle. We will not be responsible for any misuse of given information, only for educational purposes. All Rights Reserved.

Post a Comment

0 Comments