By which one computer is connected to another or more
computer is called network topology. Network topology is the layout
pattern of interconnections of the various elements of a computer. In
communication networks, a topology is a usually schematic description of the
arrangement of a network, including its nodes and connecting lines.
Some
topology’s are: - Star topology, Ring topology, completely connected network,
Multi-access Bus topology, etc.
Star topology: - In the star network topology,
there is a central computer or server to which all the workstations are
directly connected. Every workstation is indirectly connected to every other
through the central computer.
The following types of
networks are examples of star topologies:
• ARC net
• 10Base-T, 100Base-TX
• Star LAN
Most modern cabling
systems are designed in a star physical topology. The
Advantages of the
star topology are many, including the following:
- Easy to implement and extend, even in
large networks
- Well suited for temporary networks (quick
setup)
- The failure of a non central node will not
have major effects on the functionality of the network.
However, the big
advantage of the star network is that it is fast. This is because each
Computer terminal
is attached directly to the central computer.
Star topology has
the following disadvantages:
- Hub failures can disable large segments of
the network.
- Limited cable length and number of
stations.
- Very expensive due to use of a lot of
cable.
- Maintenance costs may be higher in the
long run.
- Failure of the node can disable the entire
network.
- One virus in the network will affect them
all.
Ring topology: - The ring topology is a physical, closed loop
configuration consisting of point-to-point links. It is a topology of computer
networks where each user is connected to two other users, so as to create a
ring. A failure in any cable breaks the loop and can take down the entire
network. All messages travel through a ring in the same direction effectively
either "clockwise" each node passing on the data to the next node
till it reaches its destination.
The following are examples of ring topologies:
- IBM Token Ring (although wired as a star)
- Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)
Advantages of Ring topology
- Growth of the system has minimal impact on performance
- All stations have equal access
- Each node on the ring acts as a repeater, allowing ring networks to
span greater distances than other physical topologies.
- Because data travels in one direction high speeds of transmission
of data are possible.
- When using a coaxial cable to create a ring network the service
becomes much faster.
Disadvantages of Ring topology
- Often the most expensive topology
- Failure of one computer may impact others
Completely connected
network: - The mesh
topology connects all computers to each other. It is a way to route data, voice
and instructions between nodes. A mesh network effectively extends a network by
sharing access to higher cost network infrastructure. The cable requirements
are high, but there are redundant paths built in.
Mesh topology has the following advantage:
- A mesh network is reliable and offers high speed.
- If one node can no longer operate, all the rest can still
communicate with each other, directly or through one or more intermediate
nodes.
- Mesh networks work well when the nodes are located at scattered
points that do not lie near a common line.
- Easy to solve problems.
Disadvantages of mesh topology are as follows:
- The chief drawback of the mesh topology is expense, because of the
large number of cables and connections required.
- Instillation and configuration system is very complex.
Bus topology: - In the bus network topology, every workstation is connected to a main
cable called the bus. Therefore, in effect, each workstation is directly connected
to every other workstation in the network. A single cable, the backbone functions as a shared communication
medium, attaches or taps into with an interface connector with the devices.
Bus topology has the following advantage:
- Cabling costs are minimized because of the common trunk.
- Easy to implement.
- A relatively cheap and reliable topology.
Disadvantages of Bus topology
- Difficult to trouble shoot because no central distribution points
exist.
- Limits on cable length and Workstation numbers.