Network Topologies

A network topology is how computers, printers, and other devices are connected
over a network. It describes the layout of wires, devices, and routing paths.
Essentially there are four different common topologies: Bus, Ring, Star and
Mesh.

1- Bus Topology
The bus topology was fairly popular in the early years of networking. It’s easy to
setup as it is inexpensive. All devices on the Bus Topology are connected using a
single cable. If you need help remembering how the Bus Topology operates,
think of it as the route a bus takes throughout a city. It is extremely important to
note that both ends of the main cable need to be terminated. If there is no
terminator, the signal will bounce back when it reaches the end, a bunch of
collisions and noise that will disrupt the entire network. The number of
computers on a bus network will affect network performance, since only one
computer at a time can send data; the more computers you have on the network
the more computers there will be waiting send data. A line break at any point
along the trunk cable will result in total network failure. Computers on a bus only
listen for data being sent they do not move data from one computer to the next,
this is
called
passive
topology.

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Advantages of a Bus Topology

· Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus.

· Requires less cable length than a star topology.

Disadvantages of a Linear Bus Topology

· Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable.

· Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable.

2- Ring Topology

In a ring topology
network computers
are connected by a
single loop of cable,
the data signals
travel around the
loop in one direction,
passing through each
computer. Ring
topology is an active topology because each computer repeats the signal before
passing it on to the next computer. Data is transmitted around a ring is called
token passing. The token is passed from computer to computer until it gets to a
computer that has data to send. If there is a line break, or if you are adding or
removing a device anywhere in the ring this will bring down the network. In an
effort to provide a solution to this problem, some network implementations
support the use of a double-ring. If the primary ring breaks, or a device fails, the
secondary ring can be used as a backup. Note that since there is no end on a
Ring Topology, no terminators are necessary.

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3- Star Topology

One of the most popular topologies for Ethernet LANs is the star and extended
star topology. It is easy to setup, it’s
relatively cheap, and it creates more
redundancy than the Bus Topology.
The Star Topology works by
connecting each node to a central
device. This central connection
allows us to have a fully functioning
network even when other devices
fail. The only real threat to this
topology is that if the central device
goes down, so does the entire
network

Advantages of a Star Topology

· Easy to install and wire.

· No disruptions to the network then connecting or removing devices.
· Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

Disadvantages of a Star Topology

· Requires more cable length than a linear topology.

· If the hub or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled.
· More expensive than linear bus topologies because of the cost of
the concentrators

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4- Mesh Topology
It connects every computer to every other computer. It is very secure from a
fail-safe perspective however generates a lot of connections and uses a great
deal of cable. This will create the most redundant and reliable network around-
especially for large networks. If any link fails, there is always another link to send
data through. So why don’t we use it more often? Simple: how many wires
would it take to link a computer to every device on a network of over 100
devices? Now multiply that for every device on the network not a pleasant
number is it? Obviously you should only use this in smaller networks.

Advantages of a Tree Topology

· Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.

· Supported by several hardware and software venders.

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.