1.
Identify 5 network topologies
2. Describe each topology
3. Determine the advantages & dis – advantages of each topology
5 network topologies
Mesh Topology
Star Topology
Bus Topology
Ring Topology
Tree Topology
Mesh Topology - A network setup where each computer and network device
is interconnected with one another, allowing for most transmissions to
be distributed, even if one of the connections go down. It is a
topology commonly used for wireless networks. Below is a visual
example of a simple computer setup on a network using a mesh topology.
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 Topology - Alternatively referred to as 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.
The picture to the right shows how this network setup gets its name,
as it is shaped like a star.
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.
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 Topology - Alternatively referred to as 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. Depending on the type
of network card used in each computer of the bus topology, a coaxial
cable or a RJ-45 network cable is used to connect computers together.
The following sections contain both the advantages and disadvantages
of using a bus topology with your devices.
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. Each networked device
is connected to two others, like points on a circle. Together, devices
in a ring topology are referred to as a ring network.
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.
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 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.
Tree Topology - A tree topology is a special type of structure in
which many connected elements are arranged like the branches of a
tree. For example, tree topologies are frequently used to organize the
computers in a corporate network, or the information in a database.
In a tree topology, there can be only one connection between any two
connected nodes. Because any two nodes can have only one mutual
connection, tree topologies form a natural parent-child hierarchy
Advantages of tree topology:
Scalable as leaf nodes can accommodate more nodes in the
hierarchical chain.
A point to point wiring to the central hub at each intermediate
node of a tree topology represents a node in the bus topology
Other hierarchical networks are not affected if one of them
gets damaged
Easier maintenance and fault finding
Disadvantages of tree topology:
Huge cabling is needed
A lot of maintenance is needed
backbone forms the point of failure.
