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Network topology:
The pattern of interconnection of nodes in a networks is called topolgy.

The factors that effect the toology are:

1.Cost

2.Flexiblity

3.Reliablity

Point to point network

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A point-to-point communication is also known as P2P. In the context of
telecommunication, it is an established connection between two nodes that may
be used to communicate back and forth. A basic telephone call, in which one
phone is connected to another, and both nodes can send and receive audio, is the
most common example of point-to-point communication.

Star topology
Alternatively called a star network, star topology is one of the most
common network setups. Every node connects to a central network device in this
configuration, like a hub, switch, or computer. The central network device acts as
a server, and the peripheral devices act as clients.

In a star topology setup, either a coaxial or a network cable with an RJ-

45 connector is used, depending on each device's network card type. The image
shows how this network setup gets its name, as it is shaped like a star.

There technically is no limit to how many computers can connect in a star

topology. However, network performance can decrease as more computers are
connected, resulting in slower network speeds.

Advantages of star topology

 Centralized management of the network through the use of the central
computer, hub, or switch.
 Easy to add another computer to the network.
 If one computer on the network fails, the rest of the network continues to
function normally.

Disadvantages of star topology

 It may have a higher cost to implement, especially when using a switch or
router as the central network device.

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  The central network device determines the performance and number of
nodes the network can handle.
 If the central computer, hub, or switch fails, the entire network goes down,
and all computers are disconnected from the network.

Bus topology(Linear topology)

Alternatively called line topology, bus topology is a network setup where

each computer and network device is connected to a single cable
or backbone. Depending on the type of computer network card, a coaxial
cable or an RJ-45 network cable is used to connect them together.

The following sections contain both the advantages and disadvantages

of using a bus topology with your devices.

Advantages of bus topology

 It works well when you have a small network.

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  It's the easiest network topology for connecting computers
or peripherals in a linear fashion.
 It requires less cable length than a star topology.

Disadvantages of bus topology

 It can be difficult to identify the problems if the whole

network goes down.
 It can be hard to troubleshoot individual device issues.
 Bus topology is not great for large networks.
 Terminators are required for both ends of the main cable.
 Additional devices slow the network down.
 If a main cable is damaged, the network fails or splits into
two.

Ring topology

A ring topology is a network configuration where device connections create

a circular data path. Each networked device is connected to two others, like
points on a circle. Together, devices in a ring topology are called a ring
network.

In a ring network, packets of data travel from one device to the next
until they reach their destination. Most ring topologies allow packets to
travel only in one direction, called a unidirectional ring network.
Others permit data to move in either direction, called bidirectional.

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The major disadvantage of a ring topology is that if any individual
connection in the ring is broken, the entire network is affected.

Ring topologies may be used in either LANs (local area networks)

or WANs (wide area networks). Depending on the network card used in
each computer of the ring topology, a coaxial cable or an RJ-
45 network cable is used to connect computers together.

Advantages of a ring topology

 All data flows in one direction, reducing the chance of packet
collisions.
 A network server is not needed to control network
connectivity between each workstation.
 Data can transfer between workstations at high speeds.
 Additional workstations can be added without impacting
performance of the network.

Disadvantages of a ring topology

 All data being transferred over the network must pass
through each workstation on the network, which can make
it slower than a star topology.
 The entire network will be impacted if one workstation
shuts down.
 The hardware needed to connect each workstation to the
network is more expensive than Ethernet cards and
hubs/switches.

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Tree topology
A tree topology is a special type of structure where many connected
elements are arranged like the branches of a tree. For example, tree
topologies are frequently used to organize the computers in a
corporate network, or the information in a database.

In a tree topology, there can be only one connection between any two
connected nodes. Because any two nodes can have only one mutual
connection, tree topologies create a natural parent and child hierarchy.

Tree topology in computer networking

In computer networks, a tree topology is also known as a star bus
topology. It incorporates elements of both a bus topology and a star
topology. Below is an example network diagram of a tree topology,
where the central nodes of two star networks are connected to one
another.

Advantages of Tree Topology :

 This topology is the combination of bus and star topology.
 This topology provides a hierarchical as well as central data
arrangement of the nodes.
 As the leaf nodes can add one or more nodes in the hierarchical chain,
this topology provides high scalability.
Disadvantages of Tree Topology :

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 This network is very difficult to configure as compared to the other
network topologies.
 The length of a segment is limited & the limit of the segment depends
on the type of cabling used.
 Due to the presence of a large number of nodes, the network
performance of tree topology becomes a bit slow.

Mesh topology
A mesh topology is a network setup where each computer and network
device is interconnected with one another. This topology setup allows
for most transmissions to be distributed even if one of the connections
goes down. It is a topology commonly used for wireless networks.
Below is a visual example of a simple computer setup on a network
using a mesh topology.

Advantages of a mesh topology

 Manages high amounts of traffic, because multiple devices
can transmit data simultaneously.
 A failure of one device does not cause a break in the
network or transmission of data.
 Adding additional devices does not disrupt data
transmission between other devices.

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 Disadvantages of a mesh topology
 The cost to implement is higher than other network
topologies, making it a less desirable option.
 Building and maintaining the topology is difficult and time
consuming.
 The chance of redundant connections is high, which adds
to the high costs and potential for reduced efficiency.

What factors should you consider when choosing a

topology

 Available hardware resources.

 Application invocation patterns.
 Types of business processes that you plan to implement (interruptible
versus non-interruptible)
 Individual scalability requirements.
 Administrative effort involved.

Network Devices:

Modem
A modem or broadband modem is a hardware device that
connects a computer or router to a broadband network. For
example, a cable modem and DSL modem are two examples of
these types of Modems

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 A broadband modem is an external device that connects to
your computers and other network devices using either
a network cable or over a wireless connection.

2. Short for modulator/demodulator, a modem is a hardware device

that allows a computer to send and receive information
over telephone lines. When sending a signal, the device converts
("modulates") digital data to an analog audio signal, and transmits it
over a telephone line. Similarly, when an analog signal is received, the
modem converts it back ("demodulates" it) to a digital signal.

Types of computer modems

Internal modem - Modem that connects to a PCI slot inside a newer
desktop computer, or ISA slot on an older computer. The internal
modem shown above is an example of a PCI modem.

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External modem - Modem in a box that connects to the computer
externally, using a serial port or USB port. The picture is an example of
an external USRobotics modem.

Removable modem - Modem used with older laptops PCMCIA slot and
can be added or removed as needed.

Hub

A hub is a common connection point, also known as a network

hub, which is used for connection of devices in a network. It works
as a central connection for all the devices that are connected
through a hub. The hub has numerous ports. If a packet reaches
at one port, it is able to see by all the segments of the network
due to a packet is copied to the other ports. A network hub has no
routing tables or intelligence (unlike a network switch or router),
which is used to send information and broadcast all network data
across each and every connection.

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Types of Hub

There are three types of the hub that are given below:

1. Passive Hub
2. Active Hub

Passive Hub: The passive hubs are the connection point for
wires that helps to make the physical network. It is capable of
determining the bugs and faulty hardware.

Active Hub: As compared to a passive hub, it includes some

additional features. It is able to monitor the data sent to the
connected devices. It plays an important role between the
connected devices with the help of store technology, where it
checks the data to be sent and decides which packet to send first.

Switch
o A switch is a networking device, which provides the facility to share the
information & resources by connecting different network devices, such
as computers, printers, and servers, within a small business
network.
o With the help of a switch, the connected devices can share the data &
information and communicate with each other.

Advantages of Switch
o It enhances the available bandwidth of the network.
o It can be directly connected to the workstations or devices.
o Enhances the performance of the network.
o Networks with switches have less frame collision, and it is because
switches develop the collision domain for each network.

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Repeaters
Repeaters are network devices operating at physical layer of the OSI model that amplify
or regenerate an incoming signal before retransmitting it. They are incorporated in
networks to expand its coverage area. They are also known as signal boosters.

Types of Repeaters
According to the types of signals that they regenerate, repeaters can be classified into
two categories −

 Analog Repeaters − They can only amplify the analog signal.

 Digital Repeaters − They can reconstruct a distorted signal.

Advantages of Repeaters
 Repeaters are simple to install and can easily extend the length or the coverage area of
networks.
 They are cost effective.

Router:
 It is a network devices that forwards data from one
network to another .
 It works like a bridge but can handle different
protocols.
 A router can be wired and wireless
 A router can link Ethernet to a mainframe.

Gateway:

 A gateway is a nertwork device that connects

dissimilar networks .
 It establishes an intelligent connections between a
local networks and external networks with complete
different networks.

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