Examining Network Topologies & Traffic Flows PDF

(6) Examining Network Topologies and Traffic Flows Bus/Linear Topology ◦ Devices connected to a single central cable. ◦ Pros - Easy installation, less cable required. ◦ Cons - Failure in the main cable affects entire network, not scalable. Star Topology ◦ Each device connect...

(6) Examining Network Topologies and Traffic Flows Bus/Linear Topology ◦ Devices connected to a single central cable. ◦ Pros - Easy installation, less cable required. ◦ Cons - Failure in the main cable affects entire network, not scalable. Star Topology ◦ Each device connects to a central hub or switch. ◦ Pros - Easy to install/manage, highly scalable, easy to add new devices. ◦ Cons - Central hub failure disables entire network. Mesh Topology ◦ Every device connects to every other device (fully or partially). ◦ Pros - High fault tolerance, multiple data transmission paths. ◦ Cons - Costly and complex to install/manage, especially in full mesh. Ring Topology ◦ Devices connected in a circular loop. ◦ Pros - Easy data transmission, predictable path. ◦ Cons - Break in the ring disrupts network, adding/removing devices is challenging. Network communication traffic flows: north/south vs east/west ◦ North/South Traffic: ▪ Data flows between the data center and other networks, such as client-to-server or client-to-Internet interactions. ▪ Often involves user requests and responses, passing through the core network to external endpoints. ◦ East/West Traffic: ▪ Data movement within a data center, typically server-to-server or storage system interactions. ▪ Signifies high-volume, lateral communication inside the network, crucial in cloud computing and virtualization. Centralized Network Model ◦ In a centralized network model, all network communication and data flow through a single central server, simplifying data management and security control. ◦ Benefits include easier network management, centralized data storage, and improved security due to a singular point of control.  ◦ Drawbacks are the risk of a single point of failure, scalability issues, and potential performance bottlenecks due to reliance on one server. Client/Server Network Model ◦ The client/server network model involves multiple clients (users) connected to a server that provides resources and services, like file storage or application access. ◦ Benefits include efficient resource allocation, centralized management and maintenance, and enhanced security controls through the server. ◦ However, it faces issues like server overload, increased dependency on the server's reliability, and higher costs for server maintenance. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network Model ◦ In peer-to-peer networks, each node (peer) acts both as a client and a server, directly sharing resources like files without a centralized server. ◦ Advantages include decentralized control, reduced costs for network setup and maintenance, and robustness against single points of failure. ◦ Drawbacks involve potential security risks due to the decentralized nature, difficulty in managing and monitoring the network, and inconsistent performance based on peer availability. Book (Page 6 Physical network) Page 30 North - South Traffic