Network Topology is the arrangement of the elements of a
communication network. Network topology can be used to define or describe the
arrangement of various types of telecommunication networks, including command
and control radio networks, industrial fieldbusses and computer networks.
Network topology is the topological structure of a network
and may be depicted physically or logically. It is an application of graph
theory wherein communicating devices are modeled as nodes and the connections
between the devices are modeled as links or lines between the nodes.
Linear Bus Topology
Linear Bus Topology is a type of network topology in which each device is connected one after the other in a sequential chain. In this case, the bus is the network connection between the devices, and if any link in the network chain is severed, all network transmission is halted.
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.
Star Topology
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 an RJ-45 network cable is used to connect computers together. The image 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
- May 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.
Ring Topology
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.
Ring topologies may be used in either LANs (local area
networks) or WANs (wide area networks). Depending on the type of network card
used in each computer of the ring topology, a coaxial cable or an RJ-45 network
cable is used to connect computers together.
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.
Mesh Topology
Mesh Topology is a type of networking where all nodes cooperate to distribute data amongst each other. This topology was originally developed 30+ years ago for military applications, but today, they are typically used for things like home automation, smart HVAC control, and smart buildings.
Advantages of a Mesh Topology
- Manages 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.
Hybrid Topology
Advantages of a Hybrid Topology
- Reliable : It has far better fault tolerance. The section where fault is found could possibly be singled out from the rest of network and required restorative steps could be taken, without impacting the working of rest of the network.
- Effective: The most important advantage of this topology is that the weakness of the different topologies connected are disregarded and only the strengths are taken into consideration. For instance, ring topology has good data reliability and star topology has high tolerance capability, so these two function quite well in hybrid star-ring topology.
- Flexible: One of the key advantages of this topology is its flexibility. The topology is created, so that it can be implemented for a variety of distinct network environment. Hybrid Network can be created in line with the demands of the corporation and by maximizing the available resources.
- Scalable: Hybrid networks are built in a fashion which enables for easy integration of new hardware components like additional concentration points. It’s quite simple to extend the size of network with the addition of new elements, without disturbing existing architecture.
Disadvantages of a Hybrid Topology
- Complexity: Due to the fact that different topologies connect in a hybrid topology, managing the topology gets challenging.. Its not easy to design this type of architecture and its a difficult job for designers. Configuration and installation process needs to be very efficient.
- Expensive: The network hubs needed for hybrid topology networking are costly to purchase and maintain. The cost of this topology is higher in comparison to the other topologies. The hubs used to connect two distinct networks are expensive. These hubs are not the same as usual hubs since they have to be smart enough to work with different architectures and should be able to operate even when a portion of network is down. As hybrid architectures are usually larger in scale, they may require a lot of cables, advanced network devices, etc.
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