Network topology

Computer network topology is the way various components of a network (like nodes, links, peripherals, etc.) are arranged. Network topologies define the layout, virtual shape or structure of network, not only physically but also logically. The way in which different systems and nodes are connected and communicate with each other is determined by topology of the network. Topology can be physical or logical. Physical Topology is the physical layout of nodes, workstations and cables in the network; while logical topology is the way information flows between different components. In general, physical topology relates to a core network whereas logical topology relates to basic network. Topology There are two basic categories of network topologies: 1. Physical topologies 2. Logical topologies Physical topologies The shape of the cabling layout used to link devices is called the physical topology of the network. This refers to the layout of cabling, the locations of nodes, and the interconnections between the nodes and the cabling. The physical topology of a network is determined by the capabilities of the network access devices and media, the level of control or fault tolerance desired, and the cost associated with cabling or telecommunications circuits. Logical topologies The logical topology, in contrast, is the way that the signals act on the network media, or the way that the data passes through the network from one device to the next without regard to the physical interconnection of the devices. A network's logical topology is not necessarily the same as its physical topology. The logical topologies are generally determined by network protocols. Logical topologies are often closely associated with Media Access Control methods and protocols. Logical topologies are able to be dynamically reconfigured by special types of equipment such as routers and switches.

The study of network topology recognizes six basic topologies: 1. Bus 2. 3. 4. 5. Star Ring or circular Mesh Tree

6. Hybrid

1) Bus topology
Bus Topology is the simplest of network topologies. In this type of topology, all the nodes (computers as well as servers) are connected to the single cable (called bus), by the help of interface connectors. This central cable is the backbone of the network and is known as Bus (thus the name). Every workstation communicates with the other device through this Bus. A signal from the source is broadcasted and it travels to all workstations connected to bus cable. Although the message is broadcasted but only the intended recipient, whose MAC address or IP address matches, accepts it. If the MAC /IP address of machine doesnt match with the intended address, machine discards the signal. Alternatively, if the data matches the machine address, the data is accepted. A terminator is added at ends of the central cable, to prevent bouncing of signals. A barrel connector can be used to extend it.

Advantages (benefits) of Linear Bus Topology 1) It is easy to set-up and extend bus network. 2) Cable length required for this topology is the least compared to other networks. 3) It is cheaper than any other topologies. 4) Linear Bus network is mostly used in small networks. Good for LAN.

Disadvantages (Drawbacks) of Linear Bus Topology 1) There is a limit on central cable length and number of nodes that can be connected. 2) Dependency on central cable in this topology has its disadvantages. If the main cable (i.e. Bus) encounters some problem, whole network breaks down. 3) Proper termination is required to dump signals. Use of terminators is must. 4) Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down 5) Maintenance costs can get higher with time. 6) Efficiency of Bus network reduces, as the number of devices connected to it increases. 7) It is not suitable for networks with heavy traffic. 8) Addition of new devices requires modification or replacement of the backbone. 9) Security is very low because all the computers receive the sent signal from the source.

2) Star topology
In Star topology, all the components of network are connected to the central device called

hub which may be a hub, a router or a switch. Unlike Bus topology , where nodes were connected to central cable, here all the workstations are connected to central device with a point-to-point connection. So it can be said that every computer is indirectly connected to every other node by the help of hub. All the data on the star topology passes through the central device before reaching the intended destination. Hub acts as a junction to connect different nodes present in Star Network, and at the same time it manages and controls whole of the network. Depending on

which central device is used, hub can act as repeater or signal booster. Central device can also communicate with other hubs of different network. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Ethernet cable is used to connect workstations to central node.

Advantages of Star Topology 1) Easy to install and reconfigure. 2) No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices. 3) Easy to detect faults and to remove parts. 4) Less expensive. 5) Includes robustness, that is, if one link fails, only that link is affected, other links remain active. Disadvantages of a Star Topology 1) If the hub fails, the whole system is dead. 2) If the hub, switch, or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled. 3) Requires more cable length than a bus topology. 4) More expensive than bus topologies because of the cost of the hubs, etc. 5) Performance and as well number of nodes which can be added in such topology is depended on capacity of central device.

3) Ring Topology
In Ring Topology, all the nodes are connected to each-other in such a way that they make a closed loop. Each workstation is connected to two other components on either side, and it communicates with these two adjacent neighbors. Data travels around the network, in one direction. Each machines or computers connected to the ring act as signal boosters or repeaters. Sending and receiving of data takes place by the help of TOKEN.

Advantages of Ring Topology 1) This type of network topology is very organized. Each node gets to send the data when it receives an empty token. This helps to reduces chances of collision. Also in ring topology all the traffic flows in only one direction at very high speed. 2) Even when the load on the network increases, its performance is better than that of Bus topology. 3) There is no need for network server to control the connectivity between workstations. 4) Additional components do not affect the performance of network. 5) Each computer has equal access to resources.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology 1) Each packet of data must pass through all the computers between source and destination. This makes it slower than Star topology. 2) If one workstation or port goes down, the entire network gets affected. 3) Network is highly dependent on the wire which connects different components. 4) MAUs and network cards are expensive as compared to Ethernet cards and hubs.

4) Mesh Topology
In a mesh network topology, each of the network node, computer and other devices, are interconnected with one another. Every node not only sends its own signals but also relays data from other nodes. In fact a true mesh topology is the one where every node is connected to every other node in the network. This type of topology is very expensive as there are many redundant connections, thus it is not mostly used in computer networks. It is commonly used in wireless networks. Flooding or routing technique is used in mesh topology.

Types of Mesh Network topologies:-

1) Full Mesh Topology

In this, like a true mesh, each component is connected to every other component. Even after considering the redundancy factor and cost of this network, its main advantage is that the network traffic can be redirected to other nodes if one of the nodes goes down. Full mesh topology is used only for backbone networks. 2) Partial Mesh Topology:This is far more practical as compared to full mesh topology. Here, some of the systems are connected in similar fashion as in mesh topology while rests of the systems are only connected to

1 or 2 devices. It can be said that in partial mesh, the workstations are indirectly connected to other devices. This one is less costly and also reduces redundancy. Advantages of a Mesh Topology Eliminates traffic problems in links sharing. If one link becomes unusable, it does not incapacitate the entire system. Thus, act as robust. It has privacy and security. Point-to-point link make fault identification and fault isolation easy.

Expansion and modification in topology can be done without disrupting other nodes.

Disadvantages of a Mesh Topology Installation and reconnection are difficult.

The hardware required to connect each link (I/O ports and cable) is expensive. It is generally too costly and complex for practical networks. There are high chances of redundancy in many of the network connections.

5) Tree Topology
The type of network topology in which a central 'root' node (the top level of the hierarchy) is connected to one or more other nodes that are one level lower in the hierarchy (i.e., the second level) with a point-to-point link between each of the second level nodes and the top level central 'root' node, while each of the second level nodes that are connected to the top level central 'root' node will also have one or more other nodes that are one level lower in the hierarchy (i.e., the third level) connected to it, also with a point-to-point link, the top level central 'root' node being the only node that has no other node above it in the hierarchy.

Advantages of Tree Topology

1. It is an extension of Star and bus Topologies, so in networks where these topologies can't be implemented individually for reasons related to scalability, tree topology is the best alternative.

2. Expansion of Network is possible and easy. 3. Here, we divide the whole network into segments (star networks), which can be easily managed and maintained. 4. Error detection and correction is easy. 5. Each segment is provided with dedicated point-to-point wiring to the central hub. 6. If one segment is damaged, other segments are not affected.

Disadvantages of Tree Topology

1. Because of its basic structure, tree topology, relies heavily on the main bus cable, if it breaks whole network is crippled. 2. As more and more nodes and segments are added, the maintenance becomes difficult. 3. Scalability of the network depends on the type of cable used. 4. More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.

6) Hybrid Topology
Hybrid networks use a combination of any two or more topologies in such a way that the resulting network does not exhibit one of the standard topologies (e.g., bus, star, ring, etc.). A hybrid topology is always produced when two different basic network topologies are connected. Connecting two similar topologies cannot be termed as Hybrid topology. Star-Ring and Star-Bus networks are most common examples of hybrid network

Advantages of Hybrid Network Topology

1) Reliable: Unlike other networks, fault detection and troubleshooting is easy in this type of topology. The part in which fault is detected can be isolated from the rest of network and required corrective measures can be taken, WITHOUT affecting the functioning of rest of the network. 2) Scalable: Its easy to increase the size of network by adding new components, without disturbing existing architecture. 3) Flexible: Hybrid Network can be designed according to the requirements of the organization and by optimizing the available resources. 4) Effective: Hybrid topology is the combination of two or more topologies, so we can design it in such a way that strengths of constituent topologies are maximized while there weaknesses are neutralized.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology

1) Complexity of Design: Its not easy to design this type of architecture .Configuration and installation process needs to be very efficient. 2) Costly Hub: The hubs used to connect two distinct networks, are very expensive. 3) Costly Infrastructure: As hybrid architectures are usually larger in scale, they require a lot of cables, cooling systems, sophisticate network devices, etc.

Factors to be taken into consideration while choosing a Network topology

1) Scale of your project (in terms of number of components to be connected). 2) Amount of traffic expected on the network. 3) Budget allotted for the network i.e. amount of money you are willing to invest. 4) Required response time