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Network Topologies

Network topology refers to the arrangement of elements in a computer network, defining how devices connect and communicate. There are several types of topologies including point-to-point, bus, star, ring, mesh, and hybrid, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Key concepts include transmission modes, message types, and the importance of the transmission medium in data communication.

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3 views3 pages

Network Topologies

Network topology refers to the arrangement of elements in a computer network, defining how devices connect and communicate. There are several types of topologies including point-to-point, bus, star, ring, mesh, and hybrid, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Key concepts include transmission modes, message types, and the importance of the transmission medium in data communication.

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haileymwenye
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Network Topologies

Introduction to Network Topologies


Network topology refers to the arrangement of different elements (links, nodes,
etc.) in a computer network. It defines how computers and devices are connected
and communicate with each other. There are five requirements for a data
communications system: a sender, a receiver, a transmission medium, a message
and a protocol. A transmission medium can be air (e.g. for WiFi) or cables (e.g. for
Ethernet).

Data can be sent through the medium in different modes:


 simplex mode where data flow is one-way only
 half duplex where data can flow either way but not simultaneously
 full duplex where simultaneous both-ways data flow is possible.

A ‘message’ is any type of data, which can be sent as either:


 a broadcast, which is a one-to-all communication (as used traditionally for
radio and television)
 a multicast, which is from one source to many destinations
 a unicast, which is a one-to-one communication.

Types of Network Topologies

a. point-to-point connection
 The simplest of these is where two systems are connected by a network link.
 This is an example of a point-to-point connection, which is a dedicated link.
 Transmission might be simplex or duplex and a message can only be unicast.

b. Bus Topology
 bus topology has only one link but it is shared by a number of end-systems and is
described as a multi-point connection.
 There is no direct connection between any pair of endsystems.
 A message must therefore be broadcast even though it might only be intended
for one end-system.
 Uses a single central cable (backbone) to connect all network devices.
 Data travels in both directions along the cable.
✅ Advantages:
 Cost-effective and easy to install.
 Requires less cable than other topologies.
❌ Disadvantages:
 If the main cable fails, the entire network is down.
 Performance degrades with high traffic.

c. Star Topology
 All devices are connected to a central hub or switch.
 Data passes through the hub before reaching the destination.
 In a star topology, each end system has a point-to-point connection to the central
device.
 Transmission is duplex and messages from the central device might be unicast,
multicast or broadcast.
 As with the bus topology, the failure of an end-system, or its link, leaves the
other end-systems unaffected.
 However, the central device must not fail.
 It is a specialized device with the purpose of connecting other devices in the
network. Part 1: Chapter 2: Communication and networking
technologies
✅ Advantages:
 Easy to troubleshoot and expand.
 If one device fails, the network remains operational.
❌ Disadvantages:
 If the central hub/switch fails, the entire network is affected.
 Requires more cable than bus topology.

(c) Ring Topology


 Devices are connected in a circular manner.
 Data moves in one direction (unidirectional) or both directions (bidirectional).
✅ Advantages:
 No data collision, as each node has a unique data path.
 Performs better than bus topology under high traffic.
❌ Disadvantages:
 If one node fails, the whole network can be affected.
 Difficult to troubleshoot and expand.

(d) Mesh Topology


 Every device is connected to every other device.
 Can be full-mesh (every device connects to all others) or partial-mesh (some
devices connect to multiple others).
 Mesh topology is unrealistic because of the amount of cabling required. A mesh
topology can be used when individual LAN switches are connected in a network.
 The topology is essential for the connection of routers within the infrastructure of
the Internet.

✅ Advantages:
 Provides redundancy and fault tolerance.
 Data can take multiple routes, ensuring high reliability.
❌ Disadvantages:
 Very expensive due to extensive cabling.
 Complex installation and maintenance.

(e) Hybrid Topology


Combination of two or more topologies (e.g., Star-Bus, Star-Ring). An example is
when a wired LAN is already installed but a new wireless LAN is to be connected to it.
✅ Advantages:
 More flexible and scalable.
 Benefits from the strengths of multiple topologies.
❌ Disadvantages:
 Complex and expensive to set up.
 Requires specialized network management.
KEYWORDS
Topology: the configuration of a network that defines how the various devices on
the network are connected
Bus topology: contains one shared link to which all devices are attached
End-system: a computer or server connected to a network
Mesh topology: contains direct links between devices
Hybrid network: a collection of connected LANs where some of them have diff erent
topologies or supporting technologies
Cable: a transmission using copper wire or fibre-optic
Bandwidth: a measure of the amount of data that can be transmitted per second

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