5 Questions
What is the primary characteristic that defines a network topology?
The physical and logical arrangement of devices and connections
Which type of network topology is a combination of bus and star topologies?
Tree Topology
What is a key characteristic of a network topology that allows it to continue functioning when a device fails?
Fault Tolerance
What is a disadvantage of the bus topology?
It has a single point of failure
What is an advantage of the mesh topology?
It provides redundant connections
Study Notes
Network Topology
Definition
Network topology refers to the physical and logical arrangement of devices and connections within a computer network.
Types of Network Topology
Physical Topology
- Bus Topology: A single cable connects all devices in a linear sequence.
- Star Topology: Devices connect to a central hub or switch.
- Ring Topology: Devices connect in a circular configuration.
- Mesh Topology: Each device connects to every other device.
- Tree Topology: Combination of bus and star topologies.
Logical Topology
- Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Topology: Devices act as both clients and servers.
- Client-Server Topology: Devices act as either clients or servers.
Key Characteristics
- Scalability: Ability to add or remove devices without affecting the network.
- Fault Tolerance: Ability of the network to continue functioning when a device fails.
- Cost: Physical infrastructure and maintenance costs.
- Security: Vulnerability to unauthorized access or data breaches.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Bus Topology
Advantages: Simple, inexpensive. Disadvantages: Single point of failure, difficult to troubleshoot.
Star Topology
Advantages: Easy to install, troubleshoot, and maintain. Disadvantages: Central hub failure affects entire network.
Ring Topology
Advantages: Provides high-speed data transfer, fault-tolerant. Disadvantages: Difficult to install, troubleshoot, and maintain.
Mesh Topology
Advantages: Most reliable, provides redundant connections. Disadvantages: High installation cost, complex to manage.
Tree Topology
Advantages: Combines benefits of bus and star topologies. Disadvantages: Difficult to install, troubleshoot, and maintain.
Network Topology
Definition
- Network topology refers to the physical and logical arrangement of devices and connections within a computer network.
Types of Network Topology
Physical Topology
- Bus Topology: a single cable connects all devices in a linear sequence.
- Star Topology: devices connect to a central hub or switch.
- Ring Topology: devices connect in a circular configuration.
- Mesh Topology: each device connects to every other device.
- Tree Topology: a combination of bus and star topologies.
Logical Topology
- Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Topology: devices act as both clients and servers.
- Client-Server Topology: devices act as either clients or servers.
Key Characteristics
- Scalability: the ability to add or remove devices without affecting the network.
- Fault Tolerance: the ability of the network to continue functioning when a device fails.
- Cost: physical infrastructure and maintenance costs.
- Security: vulnerability to unauthorized access or data breaches.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Topologies
Bus Topology
- Advantages: simple, inexpensive.
- Disadvantages: single point of failure, difficult to troubleshoot.
Star Topology
- Advantages: easy to install, troubleshoot, and maintain.
- Disadvantages: central hub failure affects entire network.
Ring Topology
- Advantages: provides high-speed data transfer, fault-tolerant.
- Disadvantages: difficult to install, troubleshoot, and maintain.
Mesh Topology
- Advantages: most reliable, provides redundant connections.
- Disadvantages: high installation cost, complex to manage.
Tree Topology
- Advantages: combines benefits of bus and star topologies.
- Disadvantages: difficult to install, troubleshoot, and maintain.
Learn about the different types of network topology including bus, star, ring, mesh, and tree topologies. Understand the physical and logical arrangement of devices and connections in a computer network.
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