Network Topology Types

Study Notes

Definition: Network topology refers to the physical and logical arrangement of devices and connections within a computer network.

Bus Topology: A single cable connects all devices in a linear sequence.
Star Topology: A central device connects to multiple devices using separate cables.
Ring Topology: Devices connect in a circular configuration, and data travels in one direction.
Mesh Topology: Each device connects to every other device using separate cables.
Hybrid Topology: Combines two or more different topologies.

Broadcast Topology: Data is transmitted to all devices on the network.
Point-to-Point Topology: Data is transmitted between two devices.
Point-to-MultiPoint Topology: Data is transmitted from one device to multiple devices.

Scalability: The ability of a network to add or remove devices without affecting the entire network.
Fault Tolerance: The ability of a network to continue functioning even when one or more devices fail.
Cost: The cost of implementing and maintaining a network topology.
Security: The level of security provided by a network topology.

Bus Topology:
- Advantages: Simple to install, requires less cable
- Disadvantages: Failure of the backbone cable affects the entire network
Star Topology:
- Advantages: Easy to install and manage, faults are isolated
- Disadvantages: Central device failure affects the entire network
Ring Topology:
- Advantages: Provides high-speed data transfer, fault tolerance
- Disadvantages: Difficult to install and maintain, failure of one device affects the entire network
Mesh Topology:
- Advantages: Provides maximum fault tolerance, high-speed data transfer
- Disadvantages: Complex to install and maintain, expensive

Local Area Networks (LANs): Star and bus topologies are commonly used in LANs.
Wide Area Networks (WANs): Mesh and ring topologies are commonly used in WANs.
** Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs):** Ring and bus topologies are commonly used in MANs.

Network topology refers to the physical and logical arrangement of devices and connections within a computer network.

Bus Topology: A single cable connects all devices in a linear sequence.
Star Topology: A central device connects to multiple devices using separate cables.
Ring Topology: Devices connect in a circular configuration, and data travels in one direction.
Mesh Topology: Each device connects to every other device using separate cables.
Hybrid Topology: Combines two or more different topologies.

Broadcast Topology: Data is transmitted to all devices on the network.
Point-to-Point Topology: Data is transmitted between two devices.
Point-to-MultiPoint Topology: Data is transmitted from one device to multiple devices.

Scalability: Ability of a network to add or remove devices without affecting the entire network.
Fault Tolerance: Ability of a network to continue functioning even when one or more devices fail.
Cost: Cost of implementing and maintaining a network topology.
Security: Level of security provided by a network topology.

Bus Topology: • Advantages: Simple to install, requires less cable • Disadvantages: Failure of the backbone cable affects the entire network
Star Topology: • Advantages: Easy to install and manage, faults are isolated • Disadvantages: Central device failure affects the entire network
Ring Topology: • Advantages: Provides high-speed data transfer, fault tolerance • Disadvantages: Difficult to install and maintain, failure of one device affects the entire network
Mesh Topology: • Advantages: Provides maximum fault tolerance, high-speed data transfer • Disadvantages: Complex to install and maintain, expensive

Local Area Networks (LANs): Star and bus topologies are commonly used in LANs.
Wide Area Networks (WANs): Mesh and ring topologies are commonly used in WANs.
Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs): Ring and bus topologies are commonly used in MANs.