TOPOLOGY
·
Network topology is the
arrangement of the various elements (node,links etc.) of a communication
network.
Types of
topology
1. Star topology
2. Bus topology
3. Ring topology
4. Tree topology
5. Mesh topology
Star topology
·
A star topology is a topology for a Local
Area Network (LAN) in which all nodes are individually connected to a central
connection point, like a hub or a switch.
Advantages of star
topology
·
Easy to add another computer to the
network.
·
If one computer on the network fails,
the rest of the network continues to function normally
·
Easy to troubleshoot
Disadvantages of star topology
·
The central network device determines
the performance and number of nodes the network can handle.
·
If the central computer, hub, or
switch fails, the entire network goes down and all computers are disconnected
from the network
·
More cables are required to be
connected because each computer individually connects to the central server
Bus topology
·
Bus topology uses one main cable to which all nodes are directly
connected. The main cable acts as a backbone for the network. One of the
computers in the network typically acts as the computer server
Advantages
of Bus Topology
·
Cable required is least compared to
other network topology.
·
Used in small networks.
·
It is easy to understand.
·
Easy to expand joining two cables
together.
Disadvantages
of Bus Topology
·
Cables fails then whole network
fails.
·
If network traffic is heavy or nodes
are more the performance of the network decreases.
·
Cable has a limited length.
Ring topology
· A ring topology is a Network
topology in which each node connects to exactly two other nodes, forming a
single continuous pathway for signals through each node.
Advantages
of Ring Topology
·
Token passing makes ring topology
perform better than bus topology under heavy traffic
·
No need of server to control
connectivity among the nodes
·
Equal access to the resources
Disadvantages of Ring
Topology
·
In Unidirectional Ring, a data packet
must pass through all the nodes.
·
Adding or deleting the computers
disturbs the network activity.
·
Failure of one computer disturbs the
whole network.
Tree Topology
It has a root node and all other nodes are
connected to it forming a hierarchy. It is also called hierarchical topology.
A tree
topology combines characteristics of bus and star topologies. It consists of groups
of star-configured workstations connected to a bus backbone cable.
Advantages
of Tree Topology
·
Expansion of nodes is possible and
easy.
·
Easily managed and maintained.
- Error detection is easily done.
Disadvantages
of Tree Topology
·
Heavily cabled.
·
Costly.
·
If more nodes are added maintenance
is difficult.
·
Central hub fails, network fails.
Mesh topology
In mesh topology ,each node is connected to more
than one node to provide an alternative root in the case the host is either
down or too busy.
Advantages
of Mesh Topology
·
Each connection can carry its own
data load.
·
It is robust.
- Fault is diagnosed easily.
Disadvantages
of Mesh Topology
·
Installation and configuration is
difficult.
·
Cabling cost is more.
- Bulk wiring is required.
