NETWORK TOPOLOGIES

NETWORK TOPOLOGIES    

Definition:-

Computers in a network have to be connected in some logical manner. The layout pattern of the interconnections between computers in a network is called NETWORK TOPOLOGY.

• There are number of different types of network topologies.

1. Point-to-Point

2. Bus

3. Star

4. Tree

5. Hybrid

6. Mesh & Ring

Let us understand this topologies in detail.

1. Point-to-point:-

Point-to-point topology is the simplest of all the network topologies the network consist of a direct link between two computers. This is faster and more reliable than other types of connections since there is a direct connection. The disadvantage is that it can only be used for small areas where computers are in close proximity(distance).

2. Bus Topology:-

Bus Topology  uses one main cable to which all nodes are directly connected. The  main cable acts as a backbone for the network. One of the computers in the network typically acts as the computer server. The first advantage of bus topology is that it is easy to connect a computer or peripheral device. The second advantage is that the cable requirements are relatively small, resulting in lower cost.

One of the disadvantages is that if the main cable breaks, the entire network goes down. This type of network is also difficult to troubleshoot. For the reasons, this type of topology ids not used for large networks, such as those covering an entire building.

3. Star Topology:-

In Star topology, each computer is connected to a central hub using a point-to-point connection. The central hub can be a computer server that manage the network, or it can be a much simpler device that only makes the connections between computers over the network possible.

Star topology is very popular because the startup costs are low. It is also easy to add new nodes to the network. The network is robust in  the sense that if one connection between a computer and the hub fails, the entire network goes down. It also require more cable than bus topology and is, therefore, more expensive.

4. Ring Topology:-

In Ring topology, the computers in the network are connected in a circular fashion, and the data travels in one direction. Each computer is directly connected to the next computer, forming a single pathway for signals through the network. This type of network is easy to install and manage.

If there's a problem in the network, it is easy to pinpoint which connection is defective. It is also good for handling high-volume traffic over long distances since every computer can act as a booster of the signal. On the downside, adding computers to this type of network is more cumbersome, and if one single computer fails, the entire network goes down.

5. Mesh Topology:-

A mesh topology is a local network topology  in which the infrastructure nodes bridges, switches and other infrastructure devices connect directly, dynamically and non-hierarchically to as many other nodes as possible and cooperate with one another to efficiently route data from/to clients.

Mesh topology may be contrasted with conventional star/tree local network topologies in which the bridges/switches are directly linked to only a small subset of other bridges/switches, and the links between these infrastructure neighbours are hierarchical.

 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.

     6.     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.

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.

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 and child hierarchy.

     7.     Hybrid Topology:-

A hybrid topology is a type of network topology that uses two or more differing network topologies. These topologies include a mix of bus topology, mesh topology, ring topology, star topology, and tree topology.

These network types have several advantages, such as being able to utilize the strongest aspects of other networks, e.g., signal strength. They also have several disadvantages, including the requirement for high-end equipment. Hybrid topology networks occur whenever two network types are linked together.