NETWORK TOPOLOGY

HOW MANY KINDS OF NETWORKS?

Depending on ones perspective, we can

classify networks in different ways

Based on transmission media: Wired (UTP,

coaxial cables, fiber-optic cables) and Wireless Based on network size: LAN and WAN (and MAN) Based on management method: Peer-to-peer and Client/Server Based on topology (connectivity): Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh/Fully Connected, Tree, Wireless

NETWORK TOPOLOGIES
Topology - Physical and logical network

layout
Physical actual layout of the computer cables

and other network devices Logical the way in which the network appears to the devices that use it.

Common topologies: Bus, ring, star, mesh

and wireless

BUS TOPOLOGY
Bus topology is one the easiest topologies to install, it does not

require lots of cabling.

Bus topology uses one common cable (backbone) to connect all

devices in the network in linear shape.

In this type of network topology, all the nodes of a network are

connected to a common transmission medium having two endpoints.

A linear bus topology consists of a main run of cable with a

terminator at each end

Systems connect to this backbone using T connectors or taps. Coaxial cablings ( 10Base-2, 10Base5) were popular options

years ago.
Bus topology is multipoint .

BUS TOPOLOGY

BUS TOPOLOGY - ADVANTAGES

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

Requires less cable length than a star topology

Easy to implement and extend. Failure of one of the station does not affect others. Good compromise over the other topologies as it allows

relatively high rate of data transmission.

Well suited for temporary networks that must be set up in a

hurry.

BUS TOPOLOGY DISADVANTAGES

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.
Does not cope well with heavy traffic rates
Difficult to administer/troubleshoot. Limited cable length and number of stations. A cable brake can disable the entire network; no redundancy.

Maintenance cost may be higher in the long run.

Performance degrade as additional computers are added.

RING TOPOLOGY
Ring topology is one of the old ways of building computer network

design
In ring network topology computers and other networking devices

are attached to each other in such a way that they have devices adjacent to each other (Left and right side).
All messages are travelled in the same direction either clockwise

or anticlockwise; so that means ring topology is unidirectional.

In case of failure of any device or cable the whole network will be

down and communication will not be possible.

In ring topology, each device has a dedicated point connection

only with two devices on either side of it.

RING TOPOLOGY

RING TOPOLOGY - ADVANTAGES

All nodes on the network have equal chance of

transmitting data. Growth of system has minimal impact on performance. Cable faults are easily located, making troubleshooting easier Ring networks are moderately easy to install.

RING TOPOLOGY DISADVANTAGES

Expansion to the network can cause network

disruption If one of the nodes ones down then the whole network may go Difficult to add and delete nodes to /from the ring.

STAR TOPOLOGY
This is the most commonly used or implemented

network topology design you will come across in LAN computer networks. All computers/devices connect to a central device called hub or switch, using UTP of STP cables. Each device requires a single cable point-to-point connection between the device and hub. The hub is the single point of failure.

STAR TOPOLOGY

STAR TOPOLOGY ADVANTAGES

Easy to install and wire.

No disruptions to the network when connecting or

removing devices. Easy to detect faults and to remove parts. Cable failure affects only a single user.

STAR TOPOLOGY DISADVANTAGES

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. More difficult to implement.

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.

TREE OR EXPANDED STAR

TREE TOPOLOGY - ADVANTAGES

Point-to-point wiring for individual segments. Supported by several hardware and software venders.

TREE TOPOLOGY DISADVANTAGES

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.

FULLY CONNECTED OR MESH TOPOLOGY

Each computer connects to every other.
High level of redundancy.
Rarely used.
Wiring is very complicated

Cabling cost is high

Troubleshooting a failed cable is tricky A variation hybrid mesh create point to point

connection between specific network devices, often seen in WAN implementation.

FULLY CONNECTED OR MESH TOPOLOGY

MESH TOPOLOGY - ADVANTAGES

Provides redundant path between devices. The network can be expanded without disruption to

current users.

MESH TOPOLOGY DISADVANTAGES

Requires more cable than the other LAN topologies. Complicated implementation.

WIRELESS TOPOLOGY
Uses radio frequency instead of cable as the

transmission media and wireless access points instead of hubs for connecting devices to a network. Do not require physical cabling Particularly useful for remote access for laptop users Eliminate cable faults and cable breaks. Signal interference and security issue.

WIRELESS TOPOLOGY

WIRELESS TOPOLOGY ADVANTAGES

Allows wireless remote access The network can be expanded without disruption to

current users.

WIRELESS TOPOLOGY DISADVANTAGES

Potential security issues associated with wireless

transmissions. Limited speed in comparison to other network topologies.

IEEE AND NETWORKING STANDARDS

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

(IEEE) developed a series of networking standards Networking technologies developed by manufacturers are Compatible Cabling, networking devices and protocols are all interchangeable under the banner of a specific IEEE

IEEE AND NETWORKING STANDARDS