Network Topology PDF

Network Topology ▪ is the arrangement with which computer systems or network devices are connected to each other. ▪ topologies may define both physical and logical aspect of the network; ▪ physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables, computers, and other peripherals. ▪ logi...

Network Topology ▪ is the arrangement with which computer systems or network devices are connected to each other. ▪ topologies may define both physical and logical aspect of the network; ▪ physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables, computers, and other peripherals. ▪ logical topology is the method used to pass information between workstations. Wired Physical Topologies A. Point-to-Point ▪ Point-to-point networks contains exactly two hosts such as computer, switches, routers, or servers connected back to back using a single piece of cable. ▪ Often, the receiving end of one host is connected to sending end of the other and vice versa. B. Bus Topology ▪ all devices share single communication line or cable. Bus topology may have problem while multiple hosts sending data at the same time. ▪ it is one of the simple forms of networking where a failure of a device does not affect the other devices. ▪ but failure of the shared communication line can make all other devices stop functioning C. Star Topology ▪ all hosts in star topology are connected to a central device, known as hub device, using a point-to-point connection. ▪ data on a star network passes through the hub, switch, or concentrator before continuing to its destination. The hub, switch, or concentrator manages and controls all functions of the network. ▪ If hub fails, connectivity of all hosts to all other hosts fails.D. Ring Topology ▪ in ring topology, each host machine connects to exactly two other machines, creating a circular network structure. ▪ when one host tries to communicate or send message to a host which is not adjacent to it, the data travels through all intermediate hosts. ▪ to connect one more host in the existing structure, the administrator may need only one more extra cable. Mesh Topology ▪ In this type of topology, a host is connected to one or multiple hosts. This topology has hosts in point-to-point connection with every other host or may also have hosts which are in point-topoint connection with few hosts only. Tree or Expanded Star Topology ▪ A tree topology combines characteristics of linear bus and star topologies. It consists of groups of star-configured workstations connected to a linear bus backbone cable. ▪ Tree topologies allow for the expansion of an existing network, and enable schools to configure a network to meet their needs. G. Hybrid Topology ▪ A network structure whose design contains more than one topology is said to be hybrid topology. Hybrid topology inherits merits and demerits of all the incorporating topologies.