Lesson 3

Networks topologies
Overview

 Definition of Network topology

 Different networks topologies

 Features of each Network topology

Network topologies
In computer networking topology refers to the layout or design
of connected devices
Physical Topology
the physical design of the network including the devices,
location & cable installation.

Logical Topology
how data actually transfers in a network
Different Types of Topologies
 Bus Topology
 Ring Topology
 Star Topology
 Mesh Topology
 Hybrid Topology
Bus Topology

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

bus topology are connected by one single cable. with a
terminator at each end.
Popular on LANs because they are inexpensive and easy to
install.
 BUS TOPOLOGY
DEFINITION ADVANTAGE
All computers and •Easy to connect a
devices connected computer or peripheral to a
to central cable linear bus.
•Requires less cable length
than a star topology.
DISADVANTAGE
•Entire network shuts
down if there is a
break in the main cable.
•Terminators are
required at both ends of
the backbone cable.
•Difficult to identify the
problem if the entire
network shuts down.
Ring Topology
Cable forms closed ring or loop, with all computers and
devices arranged along ring. Every device has exactly two
neighbours for communication purposes.
Data travels from device to device around entire ring, in one
direction. Primarily is used for LANs,
but also is used in WANs.
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,
if not then it release it.
 RING TOPOLOGY

DEFINITION ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE

Cable forms closed •Data is quickly transferred •Data packets must pass
ring or loop, with without a ‘bottle neck’. through every computer
all computers and between the sender and
devices arranged recipient therefore, this
along ring. •The transmission of data is
relatively simple as packets makes it slower.
travel in one direction only.
•If any of the nodes fail then
the ring is broken and data
cannot be transmitted
successfully.

 It is difficult to troubleshoot
the ring.
Star Topology
In a star network, each node (file server, workstations, and
peripherals) is connected to a central device called a hub/switch.
The hub/switch takes a signal that comes from any node and
passes it along in the network.
 STAR TOPOLOGY

DEFINITION DISADVANTAGE
ADVANTAGE •Requires more cable
•Alldevices connect to a length than a linear
•Easy to install and wire.
central device, called topology.
hub/switch. •Easyto detect faults and to
remove parts If the hub/switch fails,
nodes attached are
disabled.

More expensive than

linear bus topologies
because of the cost of the
hubs/switches
Mesh Topology
Each computer has a connection to every other devices. If one
of the connection fail, data always has alternative path to get to
its destination by taking the shortest route which means the least
number of hops.
On a large scale, you can connect multiple LANs using mesh
topology with leased line.
 MESH TOPOLOGY

DEFINITION ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE

Require more cable than
In the mesh topology Provide redundant path other topology .
each computer are between device.
connected with each
other by separate The network can be Complicated implementation
cable. expanded without
disruption to current user.
Hybrid Topology
It is a combination of two or more connected-network
topologies (mentioned above).
 Hybrid TOPOLOGY

DEFINITION ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE

Installation and
Combination of any Handles large volume of configuration is difficult
two or more traffic
network topologies More expensive than others
Fault detection is easy.

extremely flexible.
 Lesson 4
Common Network devices
Networking Devices

Network Interface Card (NIC)

A card installed in a computer that enable the computer to

communicate a network. It prepares data, sends data, and controls
the flow of data. It can also receive and translate data into bytes
for the CPU to understand.

Cable

computers in a network are

physically connected to each
other using cables (transmission
medium).
Hub/Switch
Computers are connected by a cable to a device known as hub
or switch. The hub/switch connect rest of the network. Each
contain certain no of port. In the hub (a &b), the message is
broadcast (copies) to all of the computers on the network.

a b

In the switch (c) Computers can talk

with each other on private connections.
Number of port typically 8,16,24 etc.  
C
Gateway
Is used for interfacing with another network that uses different
protocols to match the requirements of the destination system.
Gateways can change the format of a message so that it will
conform/translate the information.
Router
highly intelligent device that connects multiple network types
and determine the best path for
sending data. Sometimes
router is also called gateway.

Bridge
Connects different network
segments that are the same type
to each other and thus extend
Physical networks.
Repeater
is a network interconnection device that regenerate signals
coming in one link onto another. So we can extend network
physical distance
Modem
modem is the combination of two word modulation &
demodulation. Modem is a device which convert analog signal
to digital signal & vice versa.

Access point
act as an interface cable network & wireless device. We can
also connect nodes(computer) to a access point.
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