This article tells about Tree, Bus and Ring topologies with advantages and disadvantages of

each.

 Tree Topology:  As its name implies in this topology devices make a Tree structure. This is an
advanced version of star topology as central controllers of star topology work as secondary hub.
All these Secondary Hubs gets connected to Central hub or Primary Hub that controls the traffic
to the network. Most Devices are connected to secondary hubs. The central contains a repeater,
which is a hardware device that regenerates the received bit patterns.

Tree topology with Diagram

Advantages:

Central hub (repeater) increases the distance a signal can travel between devices.                 

Disadvantages:

More cabling is required in a tree than in other topologies (except mesh).

Entire network collapse if central Hub fails.

Bus Topology: In such type of topology, long backbone cable is used to link all the devices in
the network. Drop lines and taps are used to connect node to this backbone. A drop line is a
connection between the node and the Backbone. A tap is the connector.

Bus topology with diagram                                                        

Advantages:

             Requires less cabling compared to mesh, star and tree topologies.

             Easy to install.

Disadvantages:  

It's Difficult to add new devices.

Difficult reconfiguration and fault isolation.

A fault in Backbone stops all transmission, even between devices on the same side of the
problem because of noise generated by faulty point.

Ring Topology: All nodes are connected in ring structure. Each node contains repeater. A signal
passes node to node, until it reaches its destination. If a node receives a signal intended for
another node its repeater regenerates the signal and passes it.
Ring topology with diagram

Advantages:  

Relatively easy to install and reconfigure.

Easy to add new node as only two connections need changes.                                

Disadvantages:

 A fault in the ring can disable the entire network. This weakness can be solved by using a dual
ring.

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What is a Topology?

The physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables, computers, and other
peripherals. Physical topology should not be confused with logical topology which is the method
used to pass information between workstations. Logical topology was discussed in the Protocol
chapter .

Main Types of Physical Topologies

The following sections discuss the physical topologies used in networks and other related topics.

 Linear Bus
 Star
 Tree (Expanded Star)
 Considerations When Choosing a Topology
 Summary Chart

Linear Bus

A linear bus topology consists of a main run of cable with a terminator at each end (See fig. 1).
All nodes (file server, workstations, and peripherals) are connected to the linear cable.

Fig. 1. Linear Bus topology

Advantages of a Linear 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.
 Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down.
 Not meant to be used as a stand-alone solution in a large building.
Star

A star topology is designed with each node (file server, workstations, and peripherals) connected
directly to a central network hub, switch, or concentrator (See fig. 2).

Data on a star network passes through the hub, switch, or concentrator before continuing to its
destination. The hub, switch, or concentrator manages and controls all functions of the network.
It also acts as a repeater for the data flow. This configuration is common with twisted pair cable;
however, it can also be used with coaxial cable or fiber optic cable.

Fig. 2. Star topology

Advantages of a Star Topology

 Easy to install and wire.

 No disruptions to the network when 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, switch, or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled.
 More expensive than linear bus topologies because of the cost of the hubs, etc.

Tree or Expanded Star

A tree topology combines characteristics of linear bus and star topologies. It consists of groups
of star-configured workstations connected to a linear bus backbone cable (See fig. 3). Tree
topologies allow for the expansion of an existing network, and enable schools to configure a
network to meet their needs.
 Fig. 3. Tree topology

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.

5-4-3 Rule

A consideration in setting up a tree topology using Ethernet protocol is the 5-4-3 rule. One aspect
of the Ethernet protocol requires that a signal sent out on the network cable reach every part of
the network within a specified length of time. Each concentrator or repeater that a signal goes
through adds a small amount of time. This leads to the rule that between any two nodes on the
network there can only be a maximum of 5 segments, connected through 4
repeaters/concentrators. In addition, only 3 of the segments may be populated (trunk) segments if
they are made of coaxial cable. A populated segment is one that has one or more nodes attached
to it . In Figure 4, the 5-4-3 rule is adhered to. The furthest two nodes on the network have 4
segments and 3 repeaters/concentrators between them.
This rule does not apply to other network protocols or Ethernet networks where all fiber optic
cabling or a combination of a fiber backbone with UTP cabling is used. If there is a combination
of fiber optic backbone and UTP cabling, the rule is simply translated to a 7-6-5 rule.

Considerations When Choosing a Topology

 Money. A linear bus network may be the least expensive way to install a network; you do
not have to purchase concentrators.
 Length of cable needed. The linear bus network uses shorter lengths of cable.
 Future growth. With a star topology, expanding a network is easily done by adding
another concentrator.
 Cable type. The most common cable in schools is unshielded twisted pair, which is most
often used with star topologies.

Summary Chart

Physical Topology Common Cable Common Protocol

Twisted Pair
Linear Bus Coaxial Ethernet
Fiber

Twisted Pair
Star Ethernet
Fiber

Twisted Pair
Tree Coaxial Ethernet
Fiber
Topology

The physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables, computers, and other
peripherals. Physical topology should not be confused with logical topology which is the method used to
pass information between workstations. A network topology is the pattern of links connecting pairs of
nodes of a network. A given node has one or more links butt to others, and the links can appear in a
variety of different shapes. The simplest connection is a one-way link between two devices. A second
return link can be added for two-way communication. Modern communications cables usually include
more than one wire in order to facilitate this, although very simple bus-based networks have two-way
communication on a single wire. Network topology is determined only by the configuration of
connections between nodes; it is therefore a part of graph theory. Distances between nodes, physical
interconnections, transmission rates, and/or signal types are not a matter of network topology, although
they may be affected by it in an actual physical network.

Main Types of Physical Topologies

The following sections discuss the physical topologies used in networks and other related topics.

Mesh

Star

Tree

Linear Bus

Ring

Mesh Topology

A Mesh topology consists of a network where every device on the network is physically connected to
every other device on the network. This provides a great deal of performance and reliability, however
the complexity and difficulty of creating one increases geometrically as the number of nodes on the
network increases. For example, a three or four node mesh network is relatively easy to create, whereas
it is impractical to set up a mesh network of 100 nodes -- the number of interconnections would be so
ungainly and expensive that it would not be worth the effort. Mesh networks are not used much in local
area networks (LANs) but are used in Wide Area Networks (WANs) where reliability is important and the
number of sites being connected together is fairly small. Figure Five shows an example of a four-node
Mesh network. Mesh networking is a way to route data, voice and instructions between nodes. It allows
for continuous connections and reconfiguration around blocked paths by "hopping" from node to node
until a connection can be established. Mesh networks are self-healing: the network can still operate
even when a node breaks down or a connection goes bad. As a result, a very reliable network is formed.
Applicable to wireless networks, wired networks, and software interaction.

Advantages of a Mesh Topology

Guarantees that each connection can carry its own data.

Eliminates traffic problems.

It’s a robust network.

It has a very high privacy and security.

Disadvantages of a Mesh Topology

Huge amount of cable and I/O ports are required.

Installation is difficult.

Hardware required are very costly

Star Topology

A star topology is designed with each node (file server, workstations, and peripherals) connected
directly to a central network hub or concentrator. Data on a star network passes through the hub or
concentrator before continuing to its destination. The hub or concentrator manages and controls all
functions of the network. It also acts as a repeater for the data flow. This configuration is common with
twisted pair cable; however, it can also be used with coaxial cable or fiber optic cable.

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.
Tree Topology

A tree topology combines characteristics of linear bus and star topologies. It consists of groups of star-
configured workstations connected to a linear bus backbone cable. Tree topologies allow for the
expansion of an existing network, and enable schools to configure a network to meet their needs.

Tree topology

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.

Linear Bus

A linear bus topology consists of a main run of cable with a terminator at each end. All nodes (file server,
workstations, and peripherals) are connected to the linear cable. Ethernet and LocalTalk networks use a
linear bus topology.

Advantages of a Linear 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.

Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down.

Not meant to be used as a stand-alone solution in a large building.

 Ring Topology

A ring network is a topology of computer networks where each user is connected to two other users, so
as to create a ring. The most popular example is a token ring network. Ring networks tend to be
inefficient when compared to client/server networks because data must travel through more points
before reaching its destination. For example, if a given ring network has eight computers on it, to get
from computer one to computer four, data must travel from computer one, through computers two and
three, and to its destination at computer four. It could also go from computer one through eight, seven,
six, and five until reaching four, but this method is slower because it travels through more computers.

Ring Topology

Advantages of a Ring Topology

Growth of the system has minimal impact on performance

All stations have equal access.

Each node on the ring acts as a repeater, allowing ring networks to span greater distances than other
physical topologies.

Because data travels in one direction high speeds of transmission of data are possible

When using a coaxial cable to create a ring network the service becomes much faster.

Disadvantages of a Ring Topology

Often the most expensive topology

Failure of one computer may impact others

LAN: (local area network) A group of computers that share a common connection and are usually in a
small area or even in the same building. For example an office or home network. They are usually
connected by Ethernet cables and have high speed connections. If it was a wireless setup it would be
called a WLAN, which would have a lower connection speed.

MAN: (metropolitan area network) This is a larger network that connects computer users in a particular
geographic area or region. For example a large university may have a network so large that it may be
classified as a MAN. The MAN network usually exist to provide connectivity to local ISPs, cable tv, or
large corporations. It is far larger than a LAN and smaller than a WAN. Also large cities like London and
Sydney, Australia have metropolitan area networks.

WAN: (wide area network) This is the largest network and can interconnect networks throughout the
worldand is not restricted to a geographical location. The Internet is an example of a worldwide public
WAN. Most WANs exist to connect LANs that are not in the same geographical area. This technology is
high speed and very expensive to setup.

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A LAN (local area network) is a group of computers and network devices connected together,
usually within the same building. By definition, the connections must be high speed and
relatively inexpensive (e.g., token ring or Ethernet). Most Indiana University Bloomington
departments are on LANs. For more information on LANs, see What is a LAN (local area
network)?

A MAN (metropolitan area network) is a larger network that usually spans several buildings in
the same city or town. The IUB network is an example of a MAN.

A WAN (wide area network), in comparison to a MAN, is not restricted to a geographical

location, although it might be confined within the bounds of a state or country. A WAN connects
several LANs, and may be limited to an enterprise (a corporation or an organization) or
accessible to the public. The technology is high speed and relatively expensive. The Internet is
an example of a worldwide public WAN.

A LAN connection is a high-speed connection to a LAN. On the IUB campus, most connections
are either Ethernet (10Mbps) or Fast Ethernet (100Mbps), and a few locations have Gigabit
Ethernet (1000Mbps) connections.
definition -

A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common
communications line or wireless link. Typically, connected devices share the resources of a
single processor or server within a small geographic area (for example, within an office
building). Usually, the server has applications and data storage that are shared in common by
multiple computer users. A local area network may serve as few as two or three users (for
example, in a home network) or as many as thousands of users (for example, in an FDDI
network). 

Major local area network technologies are:

 Ethernet
 Token Ring
 FDDI
 

Ethernet is by far the most commonly used LAN technology. A number of corporations use the
Token Ring technology. FDDI is sometimes used as a backbone LAN interconnecting Ethernet
or Token Ring LANs. Another LAN technology, ARCNET, once the most commonly installed
LAN technology, is still used in the industrial automation industry.

Typically, a suite of application programs can be kept on the LAN server. Users who need an
application frequently can download it once and then run it from their local hard disk. Users can
order printing and other services as needed through applications run on the LAN server. A user
can share files with others at the LAN server; read and write access is maintained by a LAN
administrator. A LAN server may also be used as a Web server if safeguards are taken to secure
internal applications and data from outside access.

In some situations, a wireless LAN may be preferable to a wired LAN because it

is cheaper to install and maintain.

definition -

A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a network that interconnects users with computer
resources in a geographic area or region larger than that covered by even a large local area
network (LAN) but smaller than the area covered by a wide area network (WAN). The term is
applied to the interconnection of networks in a city into a single larger network (which may then
also offer efficient connection to a wide area network). It is also used to mean the
interconnection of several local area networks by bridging them with backbone lines. The latter
usage is also sometimes referred to as a campus network.

Examples of metropolitan area networks of various sizes can be found in the metropolitan areas
of London, England; Lodz, Poland; and Geneva, Switzerland. Large universities also sometimes
use the term to describe their networks. A recent trend is the installation of wireless MANs.

definition -

What is a WAN?
A wide area network (WAN) is a geographically dispersed telecommunications network. The
term distinguishes a broader telecommunication structure from a local area network (LAN). A
wide area network may be privately owned or rented, but the term usually connotes the inclusion
of public (shared user) networks. An intermediate form of network in terms of geography is a
metropolitan area network (MAN).