Computer Network Topologies

Computer Network Topologies

• Linear Bus Topology: All devices are connected to a single cable.

  • Disadvantages: If the cable breaks, the entire network fails.
  • Collisions occur when multiple devices try to transmit data simultaneously, reducing performance.

• Ring Topology: Devices are connected in a closed loop.

  • Advantages: Better performance than a bus topology.
  • Disadvantages: If there is a break anywhere in the loop, the entire network fails.

• Star Topology: All devices connect to a central device, typically a switch or hub.

  • Advantages: More reliable than bus or ring topologies.
  • Enables centralized management and better troubleshooting.
  • Switch/hub handles data forwarding efficiently, directing it only to the intended recipient, increasing performance.

Switch vs. Hub

• Switch:

  • A switch maintains a table of MAC addresses (unique to each device) and their corresponding ports.
  • It forwards data only to the intended recipient's port, avoiding broadcasting to all devices.
  • The switch uses MAC addresses for data transmission, not IP addresses.

• Hub:

  • Hubs broadcast data to all connected devices.
  • Increases network bandwidth consumption due to unnecessary data transfer.
  • Less secure as all devices can see the network traffic.

Network Identification

• MAC address: A unique, 48-bit identifier burned into each network interface card (NIC).

  • Used for local network communication.
  • Not changed easily.
  • Allows the switch to identify and forward data to specific connected devices.

• IP address: A 32-bit identifier that allows devices to communicate across networks, including the internet.

  • Used for routing and addressing on the internet.
  • Can be assigned manually or automatically through a DHCP server.
  • Used in conjunction with the MAC address, as a switch only knows MAC addresses.

DHCP Server

• DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol): A service that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices.
  • Used for easy and efficient network management.
  • Allows devices to join the network and obtain an IP address without manual configuration.

Network Address Translation (NAT)

• NAT: A technique used by routers to translate IP addresses within a private network to a single public IP address.
  • Hides the internal network infrastructure from the outside.
  • Conserves public IP addresses, which are limited.
  • Increases network security by preventing direct access to internal devices from the internet.

Port Forwarding

• Port forwarding: Allows specific ports on a router to be forwarded to a specific device within the local network, making those services public.

Copy Tracer

• Copy Tracer: A network simulation software that allows users to practice configuring network devices and run tests and troubleshooting.
  • Allows for hands-on experience with network configuration.
  • Can be used to design and test network topologies.
  • Offers the ability to export configurations to real Cisco devices.

This quiz explores various computer network topologies, including linear bus, ring, and star configurations. Each topology is analyzed in terms of its advantages and disadvantages, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their functionalities and impacts on network performance.