Computer Network Topologies

Computer Network Topology definition:

The way in which computers or other devices are connected in a network is known as computer network topology. Shortly, the term network topology refers to the physical layout or shape of the network.

Computer Network Explanation:

In networking, the term topology is the way of connecting computers or nodes on a network There are many computers can be connected together in a computer network.

Types Of Computer Network Topology:

The commonly used network topologies are as following:

1.Bus Topology

2.Star Topology

3.Ring Topology

4.Tree Topology

5.Hybrid Topology

6.Mesh Topology

Explanation Of Computer Network Topologies:

The explanation of computer network topologies is as following.

1.Bus Topology:

Bus Topology Definition:

In Bus Topology, all nodes are connected to a common communication medium. Usually, a central cable is used as a communication medium, This cable is called BUS

What Bus Topology?

The computers or nodes are connected to the Bus through an interface connector or switch. The ends of the bus or central cable are closed with terminators. A terminator is a special resistor device that absorbs data signals or prevents data signals from reflecting back onto the bus.it is also Known as terminating resistance.

Working of Bus Topology:

In Bus network topology, each computer is assigned a unique address. When a computer wants to transmit a message, it has to determine whether the media is in use or free. If no other devices are transmitting the data, it sends a message to another computer. The computer also attaches the address with the message of the destination computer. This message moves from one computer to another by bus. Each computer connected to the network checks the message. If the address attached to the message matches the address of the computer, then it accepts the message. Otherwise, the message moves to the next computer. This message is received by the destination computer.

Bus Topology Advantages:

The main advantages of Bus Topology are as follows:

1.It is a very simple network

2.It is less expensive.it is easy to install and to maintain.

3.It does not require much cabling to connect nodes as compared to other networks.

4.When nodes are added and removed to and from the network is not affected.

5.If one node fails, other nodes are not affected.

Bus Topology Disadvantages:

The main disadvantages of Bus Topology are as follows:

1.It supports only a small number of nodes. If more than a few dozens of nodes or computers are added to a Bus, the problems may be created in the network.

2.Entire network fails if there is any problem in the central cable.

2.Star Topology.

Star Topology Definition:

In a star topology network, All computers or nodes are directly connected to a central device. The central device is called Hub or a Switch. A larger network may consist of many Hubs or switches.

What star Topology?

In star topology, all the hubs or switches in the network are connected to each other.

different computers or nodes are connected to each hub(Typically, each hub or switch allows connecting four, eight, sixteen, or thirty-two nodes). Usually, the nodes are connected to the Hub with unshielded twisted pair(UTP). Star topology is the most network with five nodes connected to a single hub

Working of Star Topology:

In star topology, the computers communicate with each other through a central device i.e.; HUB. The sending computer sends data to the Hub. The Hub sends data to the receiving computer. In this way, all data is transferred from one computer to another.

Star Topology Advantages:

The main advantages of star topology are as follows

1.it is easy to install and to maintain.

2.New nodes can easily be added and removed to and from the central Hub without affecting the network.

3.If any nodes or cables fails, other nodes are not affected.

Star Topology Disadvantages:

The main disadvantages of star topology are as follows.

1.It requires more cable as compared to Bus topology.so it becomes more costly.

2.This type of network depends upon the central Hub. If Hub fails, the entire network is failed.

3.Ring Topology.

Ring Topology Definition:

In a ring topology, each computer is connected to the next computer and the last computer is connected to the first thus shape of the network is formed just like a ring data on the network flows in one direction around the ring until it reaches to the destination the shape of ring network.

Working of Ring Topology:

In-ring topology, a token is passed around the network. The computer that has control of the token can transmit data/messages. Every computer receives a message from a precious computer and retransmits it to the next computer until the destination computer receives the message. The destination computer sends an acknowledgment of receiving message messages to the sender computer. The sender computer then releases the token back to the network. This method of controlling access to the shared network cable is called token passing.

Ring Topology Advantages:

The main advantages of ring topology are as follows

1.It is less expensive than a star topology.

2.It is easy to install and to maintain.

3.All computers have equal access to the network

4.Every computer regenerates/refreshes the data signal that's why it can travel over a longer distances.

Ring Topology Disadvantages:

The main disadvantages of ring topology are as follows

1.If one node fails or ring is broken at any point, the entire network stops functioning

4.Tree Topology.

Tree Topology Definition:

It is a special type of structure where many connected elements are arranged like the branches of a tree.

Working of Tree Topology:

In telecommunication, a tree network is a combination of two or more star networks connected to each other. Each star network is a local area network in which there is a central computer to which all the workstation nodes are directly linked.

Tree Topology Advantages:

The main advantages of Tree topology are as follows

1.It allows more devices to be connected to the central Hub

Tree Topology Disadvantages:

The main disadvantages of Tree topology are as follows

1.It is more expensive because more hubs are required to be installed in the network.

5.Hybrid Topology.

Hybrid Topology Definition:

It is an integration of more than one different topologies to form a resultant topology

Working of Hybrid Topology:

A department uses a Bus network, 2nd department uses the ring network, the 3rd department uses the Mesh network and 4th department uses the star network. All the networks of different types can be connected through a central hub

Hybrid Topology Advantages:

The main advantages of Hybrid topology are as follows

1.It is also very extremely flexible.
2.It is very easy to update
3.It is easily for scalability

Hybrid Topology Disadvantages:

The main disadvantages of Tree topology are as follows

1.It is a very costly Hub.

2.It is very difficult for installation.

6.Mesh Topology.

Mesh Topology Definition:

It is a type of networking where all nodes cooperate to distribute data amongst each other.

Working of Mesh Topology:

In a wireless mesh network, only one node needs to be physically wired to a network connection like a DSL modem.

Mesh Topology Advantages:

The main advantages of Mesh topology are as follows

1.It manages high amounts of traffic because multiple devices can transmit data simultaneously.
2.A failure of one device does not cause a breakage in the network or transmission of data.
3.Adding additional devices do not disturb data transmission between other devices.

Mesh Topology Disadvantages:

The main disadvantages of Mesh topology are as follows

1.The cost to implement is higher than other network topologies making it a less desirable option.
2.Maintaing and building the topology is difficult and time-consuming.
3.The chance of redundant connections is very high which adds to the high costs and potential for reduced efficiency of it.

Computer Network topology