Computer Network:

Is the collection of the computer that are connected to each other for the purpose of sharing data and
resource? A network connection can be established using either cable or wireless media. Hardware and
software are used to connect computers and tools in any network.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

PAN is the most basic type of computer network. It is a type of network designed to connect devices
within a short range, typically around one person. It allows your personal devices, like smartphones,
tablets, laptops, and wearables, to communicate and share data with each other.

Uses of Computer Networks

Communicating using email, video, instant messaging, etc.

Sharing devices such as printers, scanners, etc.

Sharing files.

Sharing software and operating programs on remote systems.

Allowing network users to easily access and maintain information.

LAN

Advantages of a LAN

Privacy: LAN is a private network, thus no outside regulatory body controls it, giving it a privacy.

High Speed: LAN offers a much higher speed(around 100 mbps) and data transfer rate comparatively to
WAN.

Supports different transmission mediums: LAN support a variety of communications transmission

medium such as an Ethernet cable (thin cable, thick cable, and twisted pair), fiber and wireless
transmission.

Inexpensive and Simple: A LAN usually has low cost, installation, expansion and maintenance and LAN
installation is relatively easy to use, good scalability.

Disadvantages of LAN

The initial setup costs of installing Local Area Networks is high because there is special software required
to make a server.

Communication devices like an ethernet cable, switches, hubs, routers, cables are costly.

LAN administrator can see and check personal data files as well as Internet history of each and every
LAN user. Hence, the privacy of the users are violated

LANs are restricted in size and cover only a limited area

Since all the data is stored in a single server computer, if it can be accessed by an unauthorized user, can
cause a serious data security threat.
Campus Area Network (CAN)

CAN is bigger than a LAN but smaller than a MAN. This is a type of computer network that is usually used
in places like a school or colleges. This network covers a limited geographical area that is, it spreads
across several buildings within the campus. CAN mainly use Ethernet technology with a range from 1km
to 5km. Its transmission speed is very high with a moderate maintenance cost and moderate cost.
Examples of CAN are networks that cover schools, colleges, buildings, etc.

Advantages of CAN

Speed: Communication within a CAN takes place over Local Area Network (LAN) so data transfer rate
between systems is little bit fast than Internet.

Security: Network administrators of campus take care of network by continuous monitoring, tracking
and limiting access. To protect network from unauthorized access firewall is placed between network
and internet.

Cost effective: With a little effort and maintenance, network works well by providing fast data transfer
rate with multi-departmental network access. It can be enabled wirelessly, where wiring and cabling
costs can be managed. So to work with in a campus using CAN is cost-effective in view of performance

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A MAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. This is the type of computer network that connects
computers over a geographical distance through a shared communication path over a city, town, or
metropolitan area. This network mainly uses FDDI, CDDI, and ATM as the technology with a range from
5km to 50km. Its transmission speed is average. It is difficult to maintain and it comes with a high cost.
Examples of MAN are networking in towns, cities, a single large city, a large area within multiple
buildings, etc.

Advantages of MAN

MAN offers high-speed connectivity in which the speed ranges from 10-100 Mbps.

The security level in MAN is high and strict as compared to WAN.

It support to transmit data in both directions concurrently because of dual bus architecture.

MAN can serve multiple users at a time with the same high-speed internet to all the users.

MAN allows for centralized management and control of the network, making it easier to monitor and
manage network resources and security.

Disadvantages of MAN

The architecture of MAN is quite complicated hence, it is hard to design and maintain.

This network is highly expensive because it required the high cost to set up fiber optics.

It provides less fault tolerance.

The Data transfer rate in MAN is low when compare to LANs.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

WAN is a type of computer network that connects computers over a large geographical distance through
a shared communication path. It is not restrained to a single location but extends over many locations.
WAN can also be defined as a group of local area networks that communicate with each other with a
range above 50km. Here we use Leased-Line & Dial-up technology. Its transmission speed is very low
and it comes with very high maintenance and very high cost. The most common example of WAN is the
Internet.

Advantages of WAN

It covers large geographical area which enhances the reach of organisation to transmit data quickly and
cheaply.

The data can be stored in centralised manner because of remote access to data provided by WAN.

The travel charges that are needed to cover the geographical area of work can be minimised.

WAN enables a user or organisation to connect with the world very easily and allows to exchange data
and do business at global level.

Disadvantages of WAN

Traffic congestion in Wide Area Network is very high.

The fault tolerance ability of WAN is very less.

Noise and error are present in large amount due to multiple connection point.

The data transfer rate is slow in comparison to LAN because of large distances and high number of
connected system within the network.

Network topology refers to the physical and logical structure of a computer network, showing how
nodes are connected with each other. Understanding this topology, both physical and logical, is
necessary for network engineers and IT professionals to design efficient and reliable communication
systems.

What is network topology?

Network topology is the physical and logical arrangement of nodes and connections within a computer
network. Nodes are network devices, such as routers, switches, computers, and software, that perform
similar functions, while the connections between them allow data to flow through the network.

Physical topology describes the actual or the physical layout of a network

the arrangement of devices and cables in a computer network. It

describes how the devices are connected physically, such as in a bus,
ring, or star shape.
Logical Topology refers to the way data is transmitted from one node to another on
a network, such as in a broadcast (bus) or sequential (ring) manner. It defines how
devices communicate logically on a network regardless of the physical layout
Why is network topology important?

Network topology determines the layout and organization of devices and their connections. It’s an
important part of network architecture, which improves the network functionality and efficiency. A well-
designed topology directly affects these aspects of the network:

Performance. A properly structured network improves the way data moves through a network by
ensuring smooth and efficient traffic flow, which reduces delays and improves overall speed. For
instance, in setups where many devices are connected, like in a mesh network, data can travel along
multiple paths, ensuring faster communication and fewer delays, even when the network becomes
more complex.

Reliability and fault tolerance. A reliable topology helps maintain consistent network operations. If you
choose a topology with multiple data paths, data can easily reroute through another path if one
connection fails, minimizing disruptions. This redundancy keeps the network running during hardware or
connection issues, reducing downtime and ensuring smooth operations.

Scalability. With a properly managed network topology, businesses can easily add new devices and
network nodes without significant disruptions. This way, the network can handle increased traffic.

Security. A well-defined topology helps control access points and data flow, making it easier to apply
security measures. Managing how data flows through the network can reduce the risk of unauthorized
access or data theft. It also improves network security by spreading out data paths, lowering the
chances of a single point of failure, and making it harder for attackers to disrupt the whole network.

Management. A clear and organized topology makes it easier for network administrators to manage the
system. It helps them quickly identify problems, fix them, and monitor how the network is performing.

Cost optimization. Your choice of topology can affect costs. Simpler designs may cost less to set up,
while more complex network topologies can save money in the long run by reducing downtime and
maintenance.

Network topology types

Different network topologies exist, each with unique advantages and use cases. Network architects and
IT professionals decide on the topology type based on factors like the size of the network, reliability
requirements, and cost. Different topologies can even be mixed to create a hybrid system. Below, we’ll
take a look at some of the most common network topologies.

Point-to-point topology

A point-to-point network topology diagram example with two nodes.

Point-to-point topology is the simplest type of network topology. It involves just two nodes (or devices)
connected by a single link. Data moves back and forth between these two points. This setup is easy to
establish and can offer high-speed communication. While it’s fast and straightforward, it’s not useful for
larger networks that need more than two devices connected at once.

This type of topology is often used when only two devices need to communicate directly with each
other, like in a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). For example, in a business or
home network, two computers might be connected directly to exchange data without involving other
devices.

Mesh topology

A mesh network topology diagram with devices interconnected with each other.

In a mesh network, each device is connected to multiple other devices. Two types of mesh networks
exist — full mesh and partial mesh. In a full mesh topology, every device is connected to every other
device, while in a partial mesh one, only some devices are connected to all others.

This type of topology is great because it provides backup routes to transmit data. If one device or link
fails, data can still be sent through an alternative path. Mesh networks are especially useful in situations
where reliability and resilience are needed, such as in data centers. However, this setup can be high-cost
to build and maintain because it requires more connections between devices.

Star topology

A star network topology diagram with a central hub in the middle.

In star network topology, every device in the network connects to a central device, like a hub or switch,
creating a shape that resembles a star. This central hub is responsible for directing data between
devices. If a single node fails, the rest of the network functions the same as long as the central node is
working.

This type of network is popular in home local area networks and office environments because it’s easy
to set up, manage, and troubleshoot. However, the whole network can be affected if the central hub
goes down.

Bus topology

A bus network topology diagram with a single cable connecting the nodes.
In a bus topology, all devices are connected to a single cable, often called the "bus" or "backbone,"
which forms a linear shape similar to a bus route. Data travels along this cable in both directions. Bus
networks are simple to set up and cost-effective, but they have some big downsides. If the backbone
cable fails, the entire network goes down. Also, as more devices are added, network performance can
slow down due to data collisions.

In bus topology, various MAC (media access control) protocols manage how data is transmitted over the
network. Each device on the network is assigned a unique MAC address, which helps identify it and
ensures that data is sent to the correct destination.

Bus topologies were once common but are less used today in larger, more complex systems. Some
internet service providers use bus topology in their cable broadband networks, but most modern
networks use other topologies that are more reliable.

Ring topology

A ring network topology diagram with devices connected in a loop.

In a ring network topology, devices are connected in a circle, each linked to two neighboring devices.
Data usually flows in one direction around the ring. However, some systems use dual-ring setups to
allow data transmission in both directions. This type of network is inexpensive to set up and expand, and
data travels quickly within the network. Ring topology is often used in metropolitan area networks
(MANs) or wide area networks (WANs).

While the setup is inexpensive, it is less ideal for larger networks because it has no backup. If a device
fails, it can disrupt the entire network. Dual-ring topology is often used to address this issue. If one ring
stops working, the other ring can then take over, keeping the data moving and reducing downtime.

Tree topology

A tree network topology diagram with branching nodes.

Tree topology is a hierarchical network structure that combines the features of star and bus topologies.
At the top is a central "root" node that connects to several "branch" nodes, which can have their own
devices connected in a star pattern. A tree network is a clear, layered structure where each branch is like
a smaller star network connected to the main root.

This setup makes it easier to scale the network because new branches can be added without disrupting
the entire system. Tree topology is especially useful in large networks, like corporate setups or wide-
area networks (WANs), where different departments or areas need to be organized into separate
groups. Additionally, protocols like DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) simplify and automate
the management of IP addresses across the network to avoid IP conflicts.

Hybrid topology

A hybrid network topology diagram combining multiple network topology types.

A hybrid network topology combines different types of network topologies, usually two or three, to
meet specific needs. For example, a network might use both mesh and star networks to balance
performance and reliability.

Large businesses often use hybrid networks because they offer flexibility and can be customized.
However, the added complexity and cost of maintaining these networks can be a challenge.

What is a network topology diagram?

Network topology diagrams are visual or physical representations of the network's structure. It acts as a
useful reference point when troubleshooting network problems. With the layout in front of them,
network administrators can quickly identify areas where network traffic might be slowed down or see
which devices may need upgrades or maintenance.

How to create a network topology diagram

Creating a network topology diagram involves several important steps to ensure that it accurately
represents the network's structure and data flow:

1.

Choose your diagramming tool. While topology can be sketched out on paper, it's far more efficient to
use software programs specifically designed for creating virtual network topology diagrams.

2.

Select the topology type. Choose the topology type (like star, mesh, or bus) that best suits your needs.

3.

Map out key network components. Start by laying out the central components of your network, which
form the backbone of the system. These include your core network devices like routers, switches, and
firewalls. Be sure to place these devices first so you can build the rest of the network around them.

4.
Add devices. Next, incorporate all the devices connected to your network, such as computers, printers,
and servers. Position them in a way that reflects how they are physically or logically connected. Ensure
each network device is represented accurately to match the network's actual setup.

5.

Connect the elements. Connect the devices using lines or arrows to show how they communicate with
each other. The lines should represent physical connections (such as Ethernet cables or fiber optics) or
logical data paths.

6.

Label the devices and connections. Once all devices and connections are in place, label them with
relevant details like IP addresses, device names, or connection types. Annotating your diagram makes it
easier to troubleshoot and maintain the network.

7.

Review and refine. After creating the network topology diagram, take time to review it. Double-check if
all devices are properly connected and the diagram accurately reflects your network setup.