Topology

Engr Farrukh
 Physical Structures
• Physical Structures Before discussing networks, we need
to define some network attributes.
• Type of Connection A network is two or more devices
connected through links. A link is a communications
pathway that transfers data from one device to another.
There are two possible types of connections: point-to-point
and multipoint.
 Physical Structures
• Point-to-Point A point-to-point connection provides a
dedicated link between two devices. The entire capacity of
the link is reserved for transmission between those two
devices. Most point-to-point connections use an actual length
of wire or cable to connect the two ends, but other options,
such as microwave or satellite links, are also possible When
you change television channels by infrared remote control,
you are establishing a point-to-point connection between the
remote control and the television's control system.
 Physical Structures
• Multipoint A multipoint (also called multi-drop)
connection is one in which more than two specific devices
share a single link In a multipoint environment, the
capacity of the channel is shared, either spatially or
temporally. If several devices can use the link
simultaneously, it is a spatially shared connection. If users
must take turns, it is a timeshared connection
Physical Structures
 Physical Topology
• Physical Topology The term physical topology refers to the
way in which a network is laid out physically. Two or more
devices connect to a link; two or more links form a
topology. The topology of a network is the geometric
representation of the relationship of all the links and
linking devices (usually called nodes) to one another.
There are four basic topologies possible: mesh, star, bus,
and ring .
Physical Topology
 MESH
• A mesh topology is the one where every node is connected to every other
node in the network. A mesh topology can be a full mesh topology or a
partially connected mesh topology. In a full mesh topology, every computer
in the network has a connection to each of the other computers in that
network. The number of connections in this network can be calculated
using the following formula (n is the number of computers in the network):
n(n-1)/2 In a partially connected mesh topology, at least two of the
computers in the network have connections to multiple other computers in
that network. It is an inexpensive way to implement redundancy in a
network. In the event that one of the primary computers or connections in
the network fails, the rest of the network continues to operate normally.
MESH
 Advantages & Disadvantages
• Advantages of a mesh topology Can handle 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.
• 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.
STAR
 star network
• A star network, star topology is one of the most common
network setups. In this configuration, every node connects
to a central network device, like a hub, switch, or
computer. The central network device acts as a server and
the peripheral devices act as clients. Depending on the
type of network card used in each computer of the star
topology, a coaxial cable or a RJ-45 network cable is used
to connect computers together.
 Advantages
• 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. The star
topology is used in local-area networks (LANs), High-
speed LANs often use a star topology with a central hub.
 Disadvantages
• Disadvantages of star topology Can have a higher cost to
implement, especially when using a switch or router as
the central network device. 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:
 BUS:
a line topology, a bus topology is a network setup in which each computer
and network device are connected to a single cable or backbone.
Advantages of bus topology It works well when you have a small network.
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 in which device
connections create a circular data path. 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. 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 local
area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs).
 Advantages
• Advantages of 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
• Disadvantages of 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.
 Hybrid Topology
• Hybrid Topology A network can be hybrid. For example,
we can have a main star topology with each branch
connecting several stations in a bus topology as shown in
Figure
 Types of Network based on size
• The types of network are classified based upon the size, the area it covers
and its physical architecture. The three primary network categories are
LAN, WAN and MAN. Each network differs in their characteristics such
as distance, transmission speed, cables and cost. Basic types
• LAN (Local Area Network) Group of interconnected computers within a
small area. (room, building, campus) Two or more pc's can from a LAN to
share files, folders, printers, applications and other devices. Coaxial or
CAT 5 cables are normally used for connections. Due to short distances,
errors and noise are minimum. Data transfer rate is 10 to 100 mbps.
Example: A computer lab in a school.
 Types of Network based on size
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) Design to extend over a large area.
Connecting number of LAN's to form larger network, so that resources
can be shared. Networks can be up to 5 to 50 km. Owned by
organization or individual. Data transfer rate is low compare to LAN.
Example: Organization with different branches located in the city.
• WAN (Wide Area Network) Are country and worldwide network.
Contains multiple LAN's and MAN's. Distinguished in terms of
geographical range. Uses satellites and microwave relays. Data
transfer rate depends upon the ISP provider and varies over the
location. Best example is the internet.
 Other types
• Other types WLAN (Wireless LAN) A LAN that uses high
frequency radio waves for communication. Provides short
range connectivity with high speed data transmission.
PAN (Personal Area Network) Network organized by the
individual user for its personal use. SAN (Storage Area
Network) Connects servers to data storage devices via
fiber-optic cables. E.g.: Used for daily backup of
organization or a mirror copy