TOPOLOGY

Network topology is the way various components of a network (like nodes, links, peripherals,
etc) are arranged. Network topologies define the layout, virtual shape or structure of network, not
only physically but also logically. The way in which different systems and nodes are connected
and communicate with each other is determined by topology of the network.

The Physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables, computers, and other
peripherals.

The Logical topology is the method used to pass information between workstations.

Types of Topology

Point to Point Topology

The Point to Point topology is a permanent link between two endpoints. The main characteristics
of point to point topology is that each station receives exactly from one transmitter , and each
transmitter transmits to exactly one receiver.

Linear / Bus Topology

A linear bus topology consists of a main run of cable with a terminator at each end .All nodes
(file server, workstations, and peripherals) are connected to the linear cable.

Advantages of a Linear Bus Topology

• Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus.

• Requires less cable length than a star topology.

• Short cable length and simple wiring.

Disadvantages of a Linear Bus Topology

• Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable.

• Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable.

• Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down.

• Not meant to be used as a stand-alone solution in a large building.

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.

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.

Ring Topology
A ring network is a network topology in which each node connects to exactly two other nodes,
forming a single continuous pathway for signals through each node - a ring. Data travels only in
one direction from node to node, with each node along the way handling every packet. After
passing through each node, it returns to the sending node, which removes it. Sending and
receiving of data takes place by the help of TOKEN.

Token : Token contains a piece of information which along with data is sent by the source
computer. This token then passes to next node, which checks if the signal is intended to it. If yes,
it receives it and passes the empty to into the network, otherwise passes token along with the data
to next node. This process continues until the signal reaches its intended destination.

The nodes with token are the ones only allowed to send data. Other nodes have to wait for an
empty token to reach them. This network is usually found in offices, schools and small buildings.
Advantages of Ring Topology

1) This type of network topology is very organized. Each node gets to send the data when it
receives an empty token. This helps to reduces chances of collision. Also in ring topology
all the traffic flows in only one direction at very high speed.

2) Even when the load on the network increases, its performance is better than that of Bus
topology.

3) There is no need for network server to control the connectivity between workstations.

4) Additional components do not affect the performance of network.

5) Each computer has equal access to resources.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology

1) Each packet of data must pass through all the computers between source and destination.
This makes it slower than Star topology.

2) If one workstation or port goes down, the entire network gets affected.

3) Network is highly dependent on the wire which connects different components.

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 to configure a network to meet their needs.

Advantages of Tree Topology

1. It is an extension of Star and bus Topologies, so in networks where these topologies can't
be implemented individually for reasons related to scalability, tree topology is the best
alternative.
 2. Expansion of Network is possible and easy.

3. Here, we divide the whole network into segments (star networks), which can be easily
managed and maintained.

4. Error detection and correction is easy.

5. Each segment is provided with dedicated point-to-point wiring to the central hub.

6. If one segment is damaged, other segments are not affected.

Disadvantages of Tree Topology

1. Because of its basic structure, tree topology, relies heavily on the main bus cable, if it
breaks whole network is crippled.

2. As more and more nodes and segments are added, the maintenance becomes difficult.

3. Scalability of the network depends on the type of cable used.

Mesh Topology
In a mesh network topology, each of the network node, computer and other devices, are
interconnected with one another. Every node not only sends its own signals but also relays data
from other nodes. In fact a true mesh topology is the one where every node is connected to every
other node in the network. This type of topology is very expensive as there are many redundant
connections, thus it is not mostly used in computer networks. It is commonly used in wireless
networks. Flooding or routing technique is used in mesh topology.

Types of Mesh Network topologies:-

1. Full Mesh Topology

2. Partial Mesh Topology

1) Full Mesh Topology:-

In this, like a true mesh, each component is connected to every other component. Even after
considering the redundancy factor and cost of this network, its main advantage is that the
network traffic can be redirected to other nodes if one of the nodes goes down. Full mesh
topology is used only for backbone networks.
2) Partial Mesh Topology:-

This is far more practical as compared to full mesh topology. Here, some of the systems are
connected in similar fashion as in mesh topology while rests of the systems are only connected to
1 or 2 devices. It can be said that in partial mesh, the workstations are ‘indirectly’ connected to
other devices. This one is less costly and also reduces redundancy.

Advantages of Mesh topology

1) Data can be transmitted from different devices simultaneously. This topology can
withstand high traffic.

2) Even if one of the components fails there is always an alternative present. So data transfer
doesn’t get affected.

3) Expansion and modification in topology can be done without disrupting other nodes.

Disadvantages of Mesh topology

1) There are high chances of redundancy in many of the network connections.

2) Overall cost of this network is too high as compared to other network topologies.

Set-up and maintenance of this topology is very difficult. Even administration of the network is
tough.

Hybrid Topology
Hybrid, as the name suggests, is mixture of two different things. Similarly in this type of
topology we integrate two or more different topologies to form a resultant topology which has
good points(as well as weaknesses) of all the constituent basic topologies rather than having
characteristics of one specific topology. This combination of topologies is done according to the
requirements of the organization.
Advantages of Hybrid Network Topology

1) Reliable : Unlike other networks, fault detection and troubleshooting is easy in this type
of topology. The part in which fault is detected can be isolated from the rest of network
and required corrective measures can be taken, WITHOUT affecting the functioning of
rest of the network.

2) Scalable: Its easy to increase the size of network by adding new components, without
disturbing existing architecture.

3) Flexible: Hybrid Network can be designed according to the requirements of the

organization and by optimizing the available resources. Special care can be given to
nodes where traffic is high as well as where chances of fault are high.

4) Effective: Hybrid topology is the combination of two or more topologies, so we can

design it in such a way that strengths of constituent topologies are maximized while there
weaknesses are neutralized. For example we saw Ring Topology has good data reliability
(achieved by use of tokens) and Star topology has high tolerance capability (as each node
is not directly connected to other but through central device), so these two can be used
effectively in hybrid star-ring topology.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology

1) Complexity of Design: One of the biggest drawback of hybrid topology is its design. Its
not easy to design this type of architecture and its a tough job for designers.
Configuration and installation process needs to be very efficient.

2) Costly Hub: The hubs used to connect two distinct networks, are very expensive. These
hubs are different from usual hubs as they need to be intelligent enough to work with
different architectures and should be function even if a part of network is down.

3) Costly Infrastructure: As hybrid architectures are usually larger in scale, they require a
lot of cables, cooling systems, sophisticate network devices, etc.

Factors to be taken into consideration while choosing a Network topology

1) Scale of your project (in terms of number of components to be connected).

2) Budget allotted for the network i.e. amount of money you are willing to invest. A linear
bus network may be the least expensive way to install a network; you do not have to
purchase concentrators.

3) Required response time

4) Future growth. With a star topology, expanding a network is easily done by adding
another concentrator.