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Network Topologies: Figure 1 Categories of Physical Topology

The document discusses several common network topologies. The key topologies covered are: - Mesh topology provides redundant connections but requires many cables and is complex to implement. - Star topology is most common, with devices connecting to a central hub. It is easy to expand but the hub is a single point of failure. - Ring topology connects devices in a logical ring. A single break disrupts the whole network making it impractical. - Bus topology uses a backbone that devices connect to via taps. It is inexpensive but a cable break disables the whole network. - Hybrid topologies combine elements of the above designs to balance advantages and disadvantages for particular network needs.

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36 views7 pages

Network Topologies: Figure 1 Categories of Physical Topology

The document discusses several common network topologies. The key topologies covered are: - Mesh topology provides redundant connections but requires many cables and is complex to implement. - Star topology is most common, with devices connecting to a central hub. It is easy to expand but the hub is a single point of failure. - Ring topology connects devices in a logical ring. A single break disrupts the whole network making it impractical. - Bus topology uses a backbone that devices connect to via taps. It is inexpensive but a cable break disables the whole network. - Hybrid topologies combine elements of the above designs to balance advantages and disadvantages for particular network needs.

Uploaded by

mitu61293
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© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Network Topologies

A topology refers to both the physical and logical layout of a network. The
physical topology of a network refers to the actual layout of the computer
cables and other network devices. The logical topology of a network, on the
other hand, refers to the way in which the network appears to the devices that
use it.

Several topologies are in use for networks today. Some of the more common
include the bus, ring, star, mesh, and wireless topologies.

Figure 1 Categories of physical topology


Mesh Topology
he mesh topology incorporates a unique network design in which each
computer on the network connects to every other, creating a point-to-point
connection between every device on the network. The purpose of the mesh
design is to provide a high level of redundancy. If one network cable fails, the
data always has an alternative path to get to its destination. Figure 6 shows the
mesh topology.

Figure 2 A fully connected mesh topology (five devices)

Figure 2.1. Mesh topology.

As you can see from Figure 2.1, the wiring for a mesh network can be very
complicated. Further, the cabling costs associated with the mesh topology can
be high, and troubleshooting a failed cable can be tricky. Because of this, the
mesh topology is rarely used. A variation on a true mesh topology is the
hybrid mesh. It creates a redundant point-to-point network connection between
only specific network devices. The hybrid mesh is most often seen in WAN
implementations. Table 1 summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the
mesh topology.

Table 1 Advantages and Disadvantages of the Mesh Topology


Advantages Disadvantages
Provides redundant paths between Requires more cable than the other
devices LAN topologies.
The network can be expanded without Complicated implementation.
disruption to current users.

Star Topology
In the star topology, all computers and other network devices connect to a
central device called a hub or switch. Each connected device requires a single
cable to be connected to the hub, creating a point-to-point connection between
the device and the hub.

Using a separate cable to connect to the hub allows the network to be


expanded without disruption to the network. A break in any single cable will
not cause the entire network to fail. Figure 3.1 provides an example of a star
topology.

Figure 3 A star topology connecting four stations


Figure 3.1. Star topology.

The star topology is the most widely implemented network design in use
today, but it is not without its shortcomings. Because all devices connect to a
centralized hub, this creates a single point of failure for the network. If the hub
fails, any device connected to it will not be able to access the network.
Because of the number of cables required and the need for network devices,
the cost of a star network is often higher than other topologies. Table 2
summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the star topology.

Table 2 Advantages and Disadvantages of the Star Topology


Advantages Disadvantages
Star networks are easily expanded Requires more cable than most of the
without disruption to the network. other topologies.
Cable failure affects only a single user. A central connecting device allows
for a single point of failure.
Easy to troubleshoot and isolate More difficult than other topologies
problems. to implement.
Ring Topology
The ring topology is actually a logical ring, meaning that the data travels in
circular fashion from one computer to another on the network. It is not a
physical ring topology. Figure 4.1 shows the logical layout of a ring network.

Figure 4 A ring topology connecting six stations

Figure 4.1 Logical design of the ring network.

In a true ring topology, if a single computer or section of cable fails, there is


an interruption in the signal. The entire network becomes inaccessible.
Network disruption can also occur when computers are added or removed
from the network, making it an impractical network design in environments
where there is constant change to the network.
Table 3 Advantages and Disadvantages of the Ring Topology
Advantages Disadvantages
Cable faults are easily located, making Expansion to the network can cause
troubleshooting easier. network disruption.
Ring networks are moderately easy to A single break in the cable can
install. disrupt the entire network.

Bus Topology
A bus network uses a trunk or backbone to which all of the computers on the
network connect. Systems connect to this backbone using T connectors or
taps. To avoid signal reflection, a physical bus topology requires that each end
of the physical bus be terminated. Figure 5.1 shows an example of a physical
bus topology.

Figure 5 A bus topology connecting three stations

Figure 5.1 Physical bus topology.

The most common implementation of a linear bus is the IEEE 802.3 standard.
Table 4 summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the bus topology.
Table 4 Advantages and Disadvantages of the Bus Topology
Advantages Disadvantages
Compared to other There might be network disruption when
topologies, a bus is cheap computers are added or removed.
and easy to implement.
Requires less cable than Because all systems on the network connect to a
other topologies. single backbone, a break in the cable will prevent
all systems from accessing the network.
Does not use any Difficult to troubleshoot.
specialized network
equipment.

Hybrid Topology

Figure 6 A hybrid topology: a star backbone with three bus networks

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