What is Network Topology
In this Tutorial we will learn What is Network Topology and its Types. Definition : Network Topology is the schematic description of a network arrangement, connecting various nodes ( sender and receiver ) through lines of connection. Previously we shared HTML Tags with Examples Complete Tutorial. |
| What is Network Topology and its Types - Complete Tutorial |
Types of Network Topology
In this tutorial we will discuss following Types with Features, Advantages and Disadvantages- What is BUS Topology
- What is RING Topology
- What is STAR Topology
- What is MESH Topology
- What is TREE Topology
- What is HYBRID Topology
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What is BUS Topology
Bus topology is a network type in which every computer and network device is connected to single cable. When it has exactly two endpoints, then it is called Linear Bus topology. |
| What is BUS Topology -Network Topology |
Features of Bus Topology
- It transmits data only in one direction.
- Every device is connected to a single cable
Advantages of Bus Topology
- It is cost effective.
- Cable required is least compared to other network topology.
- Used in small networks.
- It is easy to understand.
- Easy to expand joining two cables together.
Disadvantages of Bus Topology
- Cables fails then whole network fails.
- If network traffic is heavy or nodes are more the performance of the network decreases.
- Cable has a limited length.
- It is slower than the ring topology.
What is RING Topology
It is called ring topology because it forms a ring as each computer is connected to another computer, with the last one connected to the first. Exactly two neighbors for each device. |
| What is RING Topology -Network Topology |
Features of Ring Topology
A number of repeaters are used for Ring topology with 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.Dual Ring Topology :
The transmission is unidirectional, but it can be made bidirectional by having 2 connections between each Network Node, it is called Dual Ring Topology.
In Dual Ring Topology, two ring networks are formed, and data flow is in opposite direction in them. Also, if one ring fails, the second ring can act as a backup, to keep the network up.
Data is transferred in a sequential manner that is bit by bit. Data transmitted, has to pass through each node of the network, till the destination node.
Advantages of Ring Topology
- Transmitting network is not affected by high traffic or by adding more nodes, as only the nodes having tokens can transmit data.
- Cheap to install and expand
Disadvantages of Ring Topology
- Troubleshooting is difficult in ring topology.
- Adding or deleting the computers disturbs the network activity.
- Failure of one computer disturbs the whole network.
What is STAR Topology
In this type of topology all the computers are connected to a single hub through a cable. This hub is the central node and all others nodes are connected to the central node. |
| What is STAR Topology - Network Topology |
Features of Star Topology
Every node has its own dedicated connection to the hub.
Hub acts as a repeater for data flow.
Can be used with twisted pair, Optical Fiber or coaxial cable.
Hub acts as a repeater for data flow.
Can be used with twisted pair, Optical Fiber or coaxial cable.
Advantages of Star Topology
- Fast performance with few nodes and low network traffic.
- Hub can be upgraded easily.
- Easy to troubleshoot.
- Easy to setup and modify.
- Only that node is affected which has failed, rest of the nodes can work smoothly.
Disadvantages of Star Topology
- Cost of installation is high.
- Expensive to use.
- If the hub fails then the whole network is stopped because all the nodes depend on the hub.
- Performance is based on the hub that is it depends on its capacity.
What is MESH Topology
It is a point-to-point connection to other nodes or devices. All the network nodes are connected to each other. Mesh has n(n-1)/2 physical channels to link n devices. |
| What is MESH Topology - Network Topology |
Techniques of Mesh Topology
There are two techniques to transmit data over the Mesh topology,
they are :
- Routing
- Flooding
What is Routing :
In routing, the nodes have a routing logic, as per the network requirements. Like routing logic to direct the data to reach the destination using the shortest distance. Or, routing logic which has information about the broken links, and it avoids those node etc. We can even have routing logic, to re-configure the failed nodes.What is Flooding :
In flooding, the same data is transmitted to all the network nodes, hence no routing logic is required. The network is robust, and the its very unlikely to lose the data. But it leads to unwanted load over the network.
Types of Mesh Topology
Partial Mesh Topology :
In this topology some of the systems are connected in the same fashion as mesh topology but some devices are only connected to two or three devices.
Full Mesh Topology :
Each and every nodes or devices are connected to each other.
Robust.
Not flexible.
Features of Mesh Topology
Fully connected.Robust.
Not flexible.
Advantages of Mesh Topology
- Each connection can carry its own data load.
- It is robust.
- Fault is diagnosed easily.
- Provides security and privacy.
Disadvantages of Mesh Topology
- Installation and configuration is difficult.
- Cabling cost is more.
- Bulk wiring is required.
What is TREE Topology
It has a root node and all other nodes are connected to it forming a hierarchy. It is also called hierarchical topology. It should at least have three levels to the hierarchy. |
| What is TREE Topology - Network Topology |
Features of Tree Topology
Ideal if workstations are located in groups.Used in Wide Area Network.
Advantages of Tree Topology
- Extension of bus and star typologies.
- Expansion of nodes is possible and easy.
- Easily managed and maintained.
- Error detection is easily done.
Disadvantages of Tree Topology
- Heavily cabled.
- Costly.
- If more nodes are added maintenance is difficult.
- Central hub fails, network fails.
What is HYBRID Topology
It is two different types of typologies which is a mixture of two or more typologies. For example if in an office in one department ring topology is used and in another star topology is used, connecting these typologies will result in Hybrid Topology (ring topology and star topology). |
| What is HYBRID Topology - Network Topology |
Features of Hybrid Topology
It is a combination of two or typologiesInherits the advantages and disadvantages of the typologies included
Advantages of Hybrid Topology
- Reliable as Error detecting and trouble shooting is easy.
- Effective.
- Scalable as size can be increased easily.
- Flexible.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology
- Complex in design.
- Costly.
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