Scribd
Upload
273 views3 pages

Difference Between Physical and Logical Topology

The document discusses the differences between physical and logical network topologies. Physical topology refers to the physical layout and connections between devices in a network. Logical topology refers to the logical pathways that data takes through the network, which is independent of the physical topology. The key differences are that physical topology impacts costs and scalability while logical topology impacts speed and flow control of data packets.

Uploaded by

Courtney Kudra Dzere
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
273 views3 pages

Difference Between Physical and Logical Topology

The document discusses the differences between physical and logical network topologies. Physical topology refers to the physical layout and connections between devices in a network. Logical topology refers to the logical pathways that data takes through the network, which is independent of the physical topology. The key differences are that physical topology impacts costs and scalability while logical topology impacts speed and flow control of data packets.

Uploaded by

Courtney Kudra Dzere
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Difference between Physical and Logical Topology

Physical and Logical topologies are important concepts that govern the formation and operation of
networks. In this article we will see differences between both topologies, and troubleshooting network
infrastructure.

What is Physical Topology?

Physical topology indicates the arrangement of different elements of a network. It reflects the physical
layout of devices and cables to form a connected network. It is concerned with the essentials of the
network ignoring minute details like transfer of data and device type. The pattern of arrangement of
nodes (computers) and network cables depends on the ease of installation and setup of the network. It
affects cost and bandwidth capacity based on a solution of devices. It takes into account the placement
of nodes and the distance between them. Devices can be arranged to form a ring (Ring Topology) or
linearly connected in a line called Bus Topology.

Types of Physical Topology

The arrangement of a network that comprises nodes and connecting lines via sender and receiver is
referred to as Network Topology. On the basis of arrangements, Physical Topology has several types:

1. Mesh Topology

2. Star Topology

3. Bus Topology

4. Ring Topology

5. Hybrid Topology

Advantages of Physical Topology

 Reliability: Some physical topologies, including the mesh topology, provide redundancy, making
sure that community connectivity is maintained although a connection or device fails.
 Tangible Representation: Physical topology offers a concrete representation of how devices are
physically linked, aiding in troubleshooting and maintenance responsibilities.
 Scalability: Certain physical topologies, like the star topology, provide scalability, allowing for
smooth expansion by means of including extra devices.
 Disadvantages of Physical Topology
 Vulnerability to Physical Damage: Physical topologies are liable to disruptions resulting from
physical damage to cables or networking hardware.
 Limited Flexibility: Changing a network’s physical architecture can be difficult and involve a
significant amount of reconfiguration.
 Costly Implementation: Some physical topologies can be quite expensive to build, especially if
they include a lot of cables or redundant hardware. What is Logical Topology?
Logical Topology reflects the arrangement of devices and their communication. It is the transmission of
data over physical topology. It is independent of physical topology, irrespective of the arrangements of
nodes. It is concerned with intricate details of network like type of devices (switches, routers) chosen
and their quality, which affects rate and speed of data packets delivery. The logical topology ensures
optimal flow control that can be regulated within network. The data can either flow in a linear pattern
called Logical bus or in form of a circle Logical ring.

Types of Logical Topology

Logical topology refers to the manner in which the data is transported and the network device structure
is displayed. On the basis of data transfer, logical topology has below mentioned types:

1. Ethernet

2. TCP/IP

3. AAdvantage’s of Logical Topology

 Flexibility: Logical topology allows community engineers to design and configure networks based
totally on logical necessities, without being constrained by using physical limitations.

 Efficient Resource Utilization: Using logical topology to define efficient information paths and
routing configurations, the most efficient use of resources is made possible.

 Ease of Implementation: Making changes or improvements to a logical topology is frequently


less difficult and disruptive than making changes to a community’s physical layout.

Disadvantages of Logical Topology

 Complexity: Technical expertise and understanding may also be needed to comprehend and
manage the complexities of logical topology, which includes protocols and routing
configurations.

 Dependency on Protocols: Logical topology is contingent upon the proper functioning of


network protocols, making networks prone to issues arising from protocol failures or
misconfigurations.

 Potential Security Risks: Misconfigurations or vulnerabilities in logical topology components,


which include routing protocols, may leads to security risk

Difference between Physical and Logical Topology

Physical Topology Logical Topology

Depicts logistics of network concerned with


Depicts physical layout of network.
transmission of data.
Physical Topology Logical Topology

There is no interference and manipulation


The layout can be modified based on needs.
involved here.

This has major impact on cost, scalability and This has major impact on speed and delivery of
bandwidth capacity of network based on data packets. It also handles flow control and
selection and availability of devices. ordered delivery of data packets.

It is actual route concerned with transmission. It is a high-level representation of data flow.

Physical connection of the network. Data path followed of the network.

Question for Practice

If there are ‘N’ devices (nodes) in a network, what is the number of cable links required for a fully
connected mesh and a star topology respectively. [ ISRO CSE 2017]

(A) N(N-1)/2, N-1

(B) N, N-1

(C) N-1, N

(D) N-1, N(N-1)/2

Solution: Every node in a fully connected mesh topology should be connected to every other node, thus
there will be = N (N − 1) / 2 links. while in star topology every device is connected with the central hub, so
N-1 links. Hence option (A) is correct.

You might also like