Computer Networking #1focuses on the definition of network or networking and types of networking. Well this post is about ‘network topology’ continue reading to know more…
NETWORK TOPOLOGY
In computer networking, topology refers to the layout of connected devices. This article introduces the standard topologies of networking.
Think of a topology as a network's virtual shape or structure.
Network topologies are categorized into the following basic types:
- Bus topology
- Ring topology
- Star topology
- Tree topology
- Mesh topology
BUS TOPOLOGY
In the bus topology, each computer connects to a common cable. The cable connects one computer to the next, like a bus line going through a city. The cable has a small cap installed at the end, called a terminator. The terminator prevents signals from bouncing back and causing network errors.
RING TOPLOGY
A ring topology is very similar to the bus. In a ring, all the devices on the network are connected to a common cable which loops from machine to machine. After the last machine on the network, the cable then returns to the first device to form a closed loop. Messages are passed around the ring in sequence.
STAR TOPOLOGY
Star topology is completely different from rather a bus or ring. In star topology, each device has its own cable run connecting the device to a common hub or concentrator. Only one device is permitted to use each port on the hub. That is all nodes are connected to a Central machine or to a wiring centre (such as hub). Messages can be sent directly to their destinations from the centre.
TREE TOPOLOGY
Tree topologies integrate multiple star topologies together onto a bus. In its simplest form, only hub devices connect directly to the tree bus, and each hub functions as the "root" of a tree of devices. This bus/star hybrid approach supports future expandability of the network much better than a bus (limited in the number of devices due to the broadcast traffic it generates) or a star (limited by the number of hub connection points) alone.
MESH TOPOLOGY
The mesh topology connects all devices to each other. When every device is connected to every other device, a failure of any cable will not affect the network.
