Topology Network and it's kinds

Topology

Network Topology refers to layout of a network. How different nodes in a network are connected to each other and how they communicate is determined by the network's topology.

Different kinds of topology:

1.      Star Topology

2.      Ring Topology

3.      Bus Topology

4.      Tree Topology

5.      Mesh Topology

6.      Hybrid Topology

Star Topology : A star topology is designed with each node (file server, workstations, and peripherals) connected directly to a central network hub, switch, or concentrator .

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. It also acts as a repeater for the data flow. This configuration is common with twisted pair cable; however, it can also be used with coaxial cable or fiber optic cable.

Advantages of a Star Topology:

·        Easy to install and wire.

·        No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices.

·        Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

Disadvantages of a Star Topology

·        Requires more cable length than a linear topology.

·        If the hub, switch, or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled.

·        More expensive than linear bus topologies because of the cost of the hubs, etc.

Tree 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.

Advantages of a Tree Topology

·        Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.

·        Supported by several hardware and software venders.

Disadvantages of a Tree Topology

·        Overall length of each segment is limited by the type of cabling used.

·        If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down.

·        More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.

Ring Topology : A ring topology is a network configuration in which device connections create a circular data path. Each networked device is connected to two others, like points on a circle. Together, devices in a ring topology are referred to as a ring network.

Advantages of ring topology

·        All data flows in one direction, reducing the chance of packet collisions.

·        A network server is not needed to control network connectivity between each workstation.

·        Data can transfer between workstations at high speeds.

·        Additional workstations can be added without impacting performance of the network.

Disadvantages of ring topology

·        All data being transferred over the network must pass through each workstation on the network, which can make it slower than a star topology.

·        The entire network will be impacted if one workstation shuts down.

·        The hardware needed to connect each workstation to the network is more expensive than Ethernet cards and hubs/switches.

Tree Topology : A tree topology is a combination of a star network topology and a bus topology. In tree topology, nodes of the underlying bus network topology are replaced with a complete star topology.

Advantages of Tree Topology:

·        Scalable as leaf nodes can accommodate more nodes in the hierarchical chain.

·        A point to point wiring to the central hub at each intermediate node of a tree topology represents a node in the bus topology

·        Other hierarchical networks are not affected if one of them gets damaged

·        Easier maintenance and fault finding

Disadvantages of Tree topology:

·        Huge cabling is needed

·        A lot of maintenance is needed

·        Backbone forms the point of failure

Mesh Topology: A mesh topology is a network topology in which all the network nodes are individually connected to most of the other nodes. There is not a concept of a central switch, hub or computer which acts as a central point of communication to pass on the messages.

Advantages of mesh topology:

·        Each connection can carry its own data load

·        It is robust

·        A fault is diagnosed easily

·        Provides security and privacy

Disadvantages of mesh topology:

·        Installation and configuration are difficult if the connectivity gets more

·        Cabling cost is more and the most in case of a fully connected mesh topology

·        Bulk wiring is required