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Types of Network Topology

Network topology refers to the arrangement of different elements like nodes, links, or devices in
a computer network. It defines how these components are connected and interact with each other.
Understanding various types of network topologies helps in designing efficient and robust
networks. Common types include bus, star, ring, mesh, and tree topologies, each with its own
advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we are going to discuss different types of network
topology their advantages and disadvantages in detail.
Types of Network Topology
The arrangement of a network that comprises nodes and connecting lines via sender and receiver
is referred to as Network Topology. The various network topologies are:
 Point to Point Topology
 Mesh Topology
 Star Topology
 Bus Topology
 Ring Topology
 Tree Topology
 Hybrid Topology
A strong understanding of network topologies is essential for competitive exams like GATE,
where computer networks are a significant subject. To deepen your knowledge and enhance your
exam preparation, consider enrolling in the GATE CS Self-Paced Course . This course covers all
critical networking concepts, including detailed explanations of various network topologies,
equipping you with the expertise needed to excel in your exams.
Point to Point Topology
Point-to-point topology is a type of topology that works on the functionality of the sender and
receiver. It is the simplest communication between two nodes, in which one is the sender and the
other one is the receiver. Point-to-Point provides high bandwidth.
 Point to Point Topology
Mesh Topology
In a mesh topology, every device is connected to another device via a particular channel. In
Mesh Topology, the protocols used are AHCP (Ad Hoc Configuration
Protocols), DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), etc.

Mesh Topology
Figure 1 : Every device is connected to another via dedicated channels. These channels are
known as links.
 Suppose, the N number of devices are connected with each other in a mesh topology, the
total number of ports that are required by each device is N-1. In Figure 1, there are 5 devices
connected to each other, hence the total number of ports required by each device is 4. The
total number of ports required = N * (N-1).
 Suppose, N number of devices are connected with each other in a mesh topology, then the
total number of dedicated links required to connect them is N C 2 i.e. N(N-1)/2. In Figure 1,
there are 5 devices connected to each other, hence the total number of links required is 5*4/2
= 10.
Advantages of Mesh Topology
 Communication is very fast between the nodes.
 Mesh Topology is robust.
 The fault is diagnosed easily. Data is reliable because data is transferred among the devices
through dedicated channels or links.
 Provides security and privacy.
Disadvantages of Mesh Topology
 Installation and configuration are difficult.
 The cost of cables is high as bulk wiring is required, hence suitable for less number of
devices.
 The cost of maintenance is high.
A common example of mesh topology is the internet backbone, where various internet service
providers are connected to each other via dedicated channels. This topology is also used in
military communication systems and aircraft navigation systems.

There are two types of Mesh topologies –

1. Fully-connected Mesh Topology
2. Partially-connected Mesh Topology
1. Full Mesh Topology :
All the nodes within the network are connected with every other If there are n number of nodes
during a network, each node will have an n-1 number of connections. A full mesh provides an
excellent deal of redundancy, but because it is prohibitively expensive to implement, it’s
usually reserved for network backbones.
Total number of links required for the mesh topology is [n(n-1)]/2.
2. Partial Mesh Topology :
The partial mesh is more practical as compared to the full mesh. In a partially connected mesh,
all the nodes aren’t necessary to be connected with one another during a network. Peripheral
networks are connected using partial mesh and work with a full-mesh backbone in tandem.
Advantages of Mesh Topology :
 Failure during a single device won’t break the network.
 There is no traffic problem as there is a dedicated point to point links for every computer.
 Fault identification is straightforward.
 This topology provides multiple paths to succeed in the destination and tons of redundancy.
 It provides high privacy and security.
 Data transmission is more consistent because failure doesn’t disrupt its processes.
 Adding new devices won’t disrupt data transmissions.
 This topology has robust features to beat any situation.
 A mesh doesn’t have a centralized authority.
Disadvantages of Mesh Topology :
 It’s costly as compared to the opposite network topologies i.e. star, bus, point to point
topology.
 Installation is extremely difficult in the mesh.
 Power requirement is higher as all the nodes will need to remain active all the time and
share the load.
 Complex process.
 The cost to implement mesh is above other selections.
 There is a high risk of redundant connections.
 Each node requires a further utility cost to think about.
 Maintenance needs are challenging with a mesh.

Star Topology
In Star Topology, all the devices are connected to a single hub through a cable. This hub is the
central node and all other nodes are connected to the central node. The hub can be passive in
nature i.e., not an intelligent hub such as broadcasting devices, at the same time the hub can be
intelligent known as an active hub. Active hubs have repeaters in them. Coaxial cables or RJ-45
cables are used to connect the computers. In Star Topology, many popular Ethernet LAN
protocols are used as CD(Collision Detection), CSMA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access), etc.

Star Topology
Figure 2 : A star topology having four systems connected to a single point of connection i.e.
hub.
Advantages of Star Topology
 If N devices are connected to each other in a star topology, then the number of cables
required to connect them is N. So, it is easy to set up.
 Each device requires only 1 port i.e. to connect to the hub, therefore the total number of ports
required is N.
 It is Robust. If one link fails only that link will affect and not other than that.
 Easy to fault identification and fault isolation.
 Star topology is cost-effective as it uses inexpensive coaxial cable.
Disadvantages of Star Topology
 If the concentrator (hub) on which the whole topology relies fails, the whole system will
crash down.
 The cost of installation is high.
 Performance is based on the single concentrator i.e. hub.
A common example of star topology is a local area network (LAN) in an office where all
computers are connected to a central hub. This topology is also used in wireless networks where
all devices are connected to a wireless access point.

How Does Star Topology Works in Computer Networks?

As we know, all the nodes in a star topology are connected to the Hub, which star topology are
connected to the central node called the Hub is responsible for the transmission of the data.
For example- when any node wants to transmit data to another node it first transmits data to the
central node which then transfers the data to all the nodes on the network. Once the node
receives the data then it checks for the destination address if the address matches the data is
accepted otherwise data is rejected.
Advantages of Star Topology
 It is very reliable – if one cable or device fails then all the others will still work.
 It is high-performing as no data collisions can occur.
 It is less expensive because each device only needs one I/O port and wishes to be
connected to the hub with one link.
 Easier to put in.
 Robust in nature.
 Easy fault detection because the links are often easily identified.
 No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices.
 Each device requires just one port i.e. to attach to the hub.
 If N devices are connected to each other in star, then the amount of cables required to
attach them is N. So, it’s easy to line up.
Disadvantages of Star Topology
 Requires more cable than a linear bus.
 If the connecting network device (network switch) fails, the nodes attached are disabled
and can’t participate in network communication.
 More expensive than linear bus topology due to the value of the connecting devices
(network switches).
 If the hub goes down everything goes down, none of the devices can work without the hub.
 Hub requires more resources and regular maintenance because it’s the central system of
Star.
 Extra hardware is required (hubs or switches) which adds to the cost.
 Performance is predicated on the one concentrator i.e. hub.

Bus Topology
Bus Topology is a network type in which every computer and network device is connected to a
single cable. It is bi-directional. It is a multi-point connection and a non-robust topology because
if the backbone fails the topology crashes. In Bus Topology, various MAC (Media Access
Control) protocols are followed by LAN ethernet connections like TDMA , Pure Aloha ,
CDMA, Slotted Aloha , etc.
 Bus Topology
Figure 3 : A bus topology with shared backbone cable. The nodes are connected to the channel
via drop lines.
Advantages of Bus Topology
 If N devices are connected to each other in a bus topology, then the number of cables
required to connect them is 1, known as backbone cable, and N drop lines are required.
 Coaxial or twisted pair cables are mainly used in bus-based networks that support up to 10
Mbps.
 The cost of the cable is less compared to other topologies, but it is used to build small
networks.
 Bus topology is familiar technology as installation and troubleshooting techniques are well
known.
 CSMA is the most common method for this type of topology.
Disadvantages of Bus Topology
 A bus topology is quite simpler, but still, it requires a lot of cabling.
 If the common cable fails, then the whole system will crash down.
 If the network traffic is heavy, it increases collisions in the network. To avoid this, various
protocols are used in the MAC layer known as Pure Aloha, Slotted Aloha, CSMA/CD, etc.
 Adding new devices to the network would slow down networks.
 Security is very low.
A common example of bus topology is the Ethernet LAN, where all devices are connected to a
single coaxial cable or twisted pair cable. This topology is also used in cable television networks.

Key Features of Bus Topology

 An efficient bus architecture is established, and each station is connected by a single
backbone cable.
 There are two requirements: Initially, the nodes are connected to the backbone cable
directly, or they use a drop cable to help them connect.
 The well-known access method for bus topologies is called CSMA (Carrier Sense Multiple
Access).
Best Practice for Designing Bus Topology
1. Plan for Scalability: Plan for the network’s future growth and expansion. Ensure that the
bus topology can accommodate extra devices with out extensively affecting overall
performance.
2. Use Good Quality Cabling: Create a good cabling setup for the bus backbone. Ensure that
the cable is properly shielded to minimize sign interference and degradation. Use cable
with suitable bandwidth and make certain that it meets the necessities of the network.
3. Implement Redundancy: Think about adding redundancy to decrease the risk of a single
point of failure (SPoF).
4. Terminate the Bus Properly: Terminate both ends of the bus with terminators to prevent
signal reflection and ensure signal integrity. Improper termination can result in signal
degradation and performance issues.
Advantages of Bus Topology
 It is the easiest network topology for linearly connecting peripherals or computers.
 It works very efficiently well when there is a small network.
 The length of cable required is less than a star topology.
 It is easy to connect or remove devices in this network without affecting any other device.
 Very cost-effective as compared to other network topology i.e. mesh and star
 It is easy to understand topology.
 Easy to expand by joining the two cables together.
Disadvantages of Bus Topology
 Bus topology is not good for large networks.
 Identification of problems becomes difficult if the whole network goes down.
 Troubleshooting individual device issues is very hard.
 Need terminators are required at both ends of the main cable.
 Additional devices slow the network down.
 If the main cable is damaged, the whole network fails or splits into two.
 Packet loss is high.
 This network topology is very slow as compared to other topologies.
Applications of Bus Topology
1. Local Area Networks (LANs): Bus topology was traditionally utilized in Ethernet LANs,
mainly in older implementations wherein coaxial cables have been daisy-chained to
connect computer systems.
2. Industrial Control Systems: In industrial control system, bus topology is frequently used
for connecting sensors, actuators, and different devices in distributed manipulate systems.
3. Instrumentation Networks: Bus topology is appropriate for connecting devices, meters,
and records acquisition gadgets in laboratory or commercial environments.
4. Building Automation Systems: Bus topology is employed in building automation and
HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) structures to attach sensors, thermostats,
actuators, and other manage devices.
5. Telecommunications Networks: Bus topology has traditionally been utilized in telephone
networks and early records transmission systems. However, it has largely been changed by
using more superior topologies like mesh or ring for telecommunications applications
because of higher fault tolerance and scalability.
Data Transmission in Bus Topology
In a bus topology, data transmission takes place along a single backbone cable, known as the
bus. The process of sending data in this particular network setup can be dissected in the
following manner:
1. Structure: A single backbone cable links all devices (nodes) and serves as a shared
communication medium.
2. Data Transmission: When a device needs to send data, it sends data bidirectionally along
the bus. Data sent by any node is transmit to all other nodes in the network.
3. Data Reception: While transmission in bus topology, each node analyzes the data
destination address to determine if it is the designated receiver. If the node’s address
matches the destination address, the data is processed by the node, Otherwise, the data is
ignored.
4. Collision Detection:The bus being shared by all nodes increases the probabilty of data
collisions when two devices transmit at the same time. In the majority of bus topologies, a
technique such as Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) is
implemented to handle collisions. CSMA/CD requires that devices supervise the bus to
verify its availability before transmitting data and to recognize and handle collisions if they
happen.
Types of Cables Used in Bus Topology
Common cable types used in bus topology include coaxial cable and twisted-pair cable.
Can Multiple Bus Topologies be Connected Together?
Yes, It is possible to connect multiple bus topologies together, but it’s important to make sure
the reliability and performance of the network. Following are the methods to connect multiple
bus topologies:
1. Cascading Buses: We can connect multiple bus topologies linearly, where the end of one
bus becomes part of another, akin to chaining several buses together. Each part is connected at
its ends, allowing devices on different parts to communicate.
2. Using Repeaters or Amplifiers: To increase the length of a bus and connect multiple
parts, repeaters or amplifiers can be utilized. These devices regenerate the signal to prevent
damage over long distances, enabling the connection of multiple bus parts.
3. Segmenting with Network Hubs: In certain scenarios, hubs or network devices can be
utilized to join different bus parts. While this process introduces a form of central hub
connectivity, it effectively integrates multiple bus topologies.
4. Hybrid Topologies: Combining bus topologies with other topologies, such as star or tree
topologies, can result in integrated network designs. For example, a star-bus topology
integrates the characteristics of both bus and star topologies, where multiple bus segments are
interlinked.

Ring Topology
In a Ring Topology, it forms a ring connecting devices with exactly two neighboring devices. A
number of repeaters are used for Ring topology with a large number of nodes, because if
someone wants to send some data to the last node in the ring topology with 100 nodes, then the
data will have to pass through 99 nodes to reach the 100th node. Hence to prevent data loss
repeaters are used in the network.
The data flows in one direction, i.e. it is unidirectional, but it can be made bidirectional by
having 2 connections between each Network Node, it is called Dual Ring Topology. In-Ring
Topology, the Token Ring Passing protocol is used by the workstations to transmit the data.
 Ring Topology
Figure 4 : A ring topology comprises 4 stations connected with each forming a ring.
The most common access method of ring topology is token passing.
 Token passing: It is a network access method in which a token is passed from one node to
another node.
 Token: It is a frame that circulates around the network.
Operations of Ring Topology
1. One station is known as a monitor station which takes all the responsibility for performing
the operations.
2. To transmit the data, the station has to hold the token. After the transmission is done, the
token is to be released for other stations to use.
3. When no station is transmitting the data, then the token will circulate in the ring.
4. There are two types of token release techniques: Early token release releases the token just
after transmitting the data and Delayed token release releases the token after the
acknowledgment is received from the receiver.
Advantages of Ring Topology
 The data transmission is high-speed.
 The possibility of collision is minimum in this type of topology.
 Cheap to install and expand.
 It is less costly than a star topology.
Disadvantages of Ring Topology
 The failure of a single node in the network can cause the entire network to fail.
 Troubleshooting is difficult in this topology.
 The addition of stations in between or the removal of stations can disturb the whole topology.
 Less secure.

Advantages of Ring topology :

 In this data flows in one direction which reduces the chance of packet collisions.
 In this topology additional workstations can be added after without impacting performance
of the network.
 Equal access to the resources.
 There is no need of server to control the connectivity among the nodes in the topology.
 It is cheap to install and expand.
 Minimum collision.
 Speed to transfer the data is very high in this type of topology.
 Due to the presence of token passing the performance of ring topology becomes better than
bus topology under heavy traffic.
 Easy to manage.
 Ring network is extremely orderly organized where every device has access to the token
and therefore the opportunity to transmit.
Disadvantages of Ring topology :
 Due to the Uni-directional Ring, a data packet (token) must have to pass through all the
nodes.
 If one workstation shuts down, it affects whole network or if a node goes down entire
network goes down.
 It is slower in performance as compared to the bus topology
 It is Expensive.
 Addition and removal of any node during a network is difficult and may cause issue in
network activity.
 Difficult to troubleshoot the ring.
 In order for all the computer to communicate with each other, all computer must be turned
on.
 Total dependence in on one cable.
 They were not Scalable.

Tree Topology
This topology is the variation of the Star topology. This topology has a hierarchical flow of
data. In Tree Topology, protocols like DHCP and SAC (Standard Automatic Configuration ) are
used.
 Tree Topology
Figure 5 : In this, the various secondary hubs are connected to the central hub which contains the
repeater. This data flow from top to bottom i.e. from the central hub to the secondary and then to
the devices or from bottom to top i.e. devices to the secondary hub and then to the central hub. It
is a multi-point connection and a non-robust topology because if the backbone fails the topology
crashes.
Advantages of Tree Topology
 It allows more devices to be attached to a single central hub thus it decreases the distance that
is traveled by the signal to come to the devices.
 It allows the network to get isolated and also prioritize from different computers.
 We can add new devices to the existing network.
 Error detection and error correction are very easy in a tree topology.
Disadvantages of Tree Topology
 If the central hub gets fails the entire system fails.
 The cost is high because of the cabling.
 If new devices are added, it becomes difficult to reconfigure.
A common example of a tree topology is the hierarchy in a large organization. At the top of the
tree is the CEO, who is connected to the different departments or divisions (child nodes) of the
company. Each department has its own hierarchy, with managers overseeing different teams
(grandchild nodes). The team members (leaf nodes) are at the bottom of the hierarchy, connected
to their respective managers and departments.

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.
 The other nodes in a network are not affected if one of their nodes gets damaged or does
not work.
 Tree topology provides easy maintenance and easy fault identification can be done.
 A callable topology. Leaf nodes can hold more nodes.
 Supported by several hardware and software vendors.
 Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.
 Tree Topology is highly secure.
 It is used in WAN.
 Tree Topology is reliable.
Disadvantages of Tree Topology :
 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.
 If the computer on the first level is erroneous, the next-level computer will also go under
problems.
 Requires a large number of cables compared to star and ring topology.
 As the data needs to travel from the central cable this creates dense network traffic.
 The Backbone appears as the failure point of the entire segment of the network.
 Treatment of the topology is pretty complex.
 The establishment cost increases as well.
 If the bulk of nodes is added to this network, then the maintenance will become
complicated.
Hybrid Topology is the first before going into the topic, we saw that topology may be a
connection of varied links and nodes, communicating with one another for the transfer of
knowledge. During this process sort of topology, we combine two or more different topologies
to make a resultant topology that has good points(as well as weaknesses) of all constituent
basic topologies instead of having characteristics of only one specific topology. This mix of
topologies is completed and consistent with the wants of the organization.
Example for instance if in an office one of the department’s ring topologies is employed and
another star, topology is employed, connecting these topologies will end in Hybrid Topology
(ring topology and star topology).
Types of Hybrid Topology
Hybrid Topology is of various types that are listed below. Like different network topologies,
hybrid topology is also similar as it also depends on the IP Address. The types of Hybrid
Topology are:
 Star-Ring Hybrid Topology
 Star-Bus Hybrid Topology
 Hierarchical Network Topology
1. Star-Ring Hybrid Topology
Star-Ring Hybrid Topology is the mixture or combination of Star Topology and Ring
Topology. In Star-Ring Hybrid topology, star topologies are joined to each other via a ring in a
wired connection. In Star-Ring Topology, the flow of data can be unidirectional or
bidirectional.
 Star-Ring Hybrid Topology
2. Star-Bus Hybrid Topology
Star Bus Hybrid Topology is a combination of Star Topology and Bus Topology. Here, the star
networks are connected to the cable of the Bus Topology. In the figure mentioned below, you
can easily get to know how Star and Bus are interconnected in Star Bus Hybrid Topology.

Star Bus Hybrid Topology

3. Hierarchical Network Topology
Hierarchical Network Topology is simply a type of Network Topology that is connected to
multiple nodes present there. It is a type of hybrid topology, that is a combination of Star Ring
Hybrid Topology and Star-Bus Hybrid Topolgy. It also consists of Root Node, Child Node,
and Leaf Node.
Advantages of Hybrid Topology
 This type of topology combines the benefits of different types of topologies in one
topology.
 Can be modified as per requirement.
 It is extremely flexible.
 It is very reliable.
 It is easily scalable as Hybrid networks are built in a fashion which enables easy integration
of new hardware components.
 Error detecting and troubleshooting are easy.
 Handles a large volume of traffic.
 It is used to create large networks.
 The speed of the topology becomes fast when two topologies are put together.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology
 It is a type of network expensive.
 The design of a hybrid network is very complex.
 There is a change in the hardware to connect one topology with another topology.
 Usually, hybrid architectures are larger in scale so they require a lot of cables in the
installation process.
 Hubs which are used to connect two distinct networks are very costly. And hubs are
different from usual hubs as they need to be intelligent enough to work with different
architectures.
 Installation is a difficult process.
Uses of Hybrid Topology
 Hybrid Topology helps in keeping the full diversity of the computer network.
 Hybrid Topology is helpful when we require more than one topology in the system.
 Hybrid Topology helps in reducing the cost of the overall system.
 Hybrid Topology helps in easily running the system.
 Hybrid Topology is widely used in educational institutes, research organizations, finance
sectors, etc.

Hybrid Topology
This topological technology is the combination of all the various types of topologies we have
studied above. Hybrid Topology is used when the nodes are free to take any form. It means these
can be individuals such as Ring or Star topology or can be a combination of various types of
topologies seen above. Each individual topology uses the protocol that has been discussed
earlier.
 Hybrid Topology
The above figure shows the structure of the Hybrid topology. As seen it contains a combination
of all different types of networks.
Advantages of Hybrid Topology
 This topology is very flexible .
 The size of the network can be easily expanded by adding new devices.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology
 It is challenging to design the architecture of the Hybrid Network.
 Hubs used in this topology are very expensive.
 The infrastructure cost is very high as a hybrid network requires a lot of cabling and
network devices .
A common example of a hybrid topology is a university campus network. The network may have
a backbone of a star topology, with each building connected to the backbone through a switch or
router. Within each building, there may be a bus or ring topology connecting the different rooms
and offices. The wireless access points also create a mesh topology for wireless devices. This
hybrid topology allows for efficient communication between different buildings while providing
flexibility and redundancy within each building.