A network topology is defined as the arrangement of a network for communication, including its nodes and connecting lines. (Beal) There are three types of topology namely Ring, Bus and Star topology. Rig topology is a local area network whose topology is a ring. Its nodes are connected in a closed loop whereby messages travel around the ring, and each node reads messages only addressed to it. The computers in this network are connected in a circular pattern with data traveling in one direction. Pinpointing a problem in the network is easy. It is also suitable to handle a high volume of traffic over a distance as each computer acts as a booster of the network and it is easy to install and manage. However, if one computer fails, then the entire network to goes down. Network types connected using ring topologies are token ring and fiber distributed data interface (FDDI). The diagram below is a sketch of the ring topology.
Star topology(a type of Network Topology) has a connection whereby each computer is linked to a central computer called a hub by use of a point to point connection. The central hub may be a computer server that does the managing of the network. A node will then communicate by passing data across the network through the hub. The central hub works as a repeater of data flow, and its functioning depends on the central hub. Its advantages are that any network failure between a computer and the hub doesn’t affect other machines as well, but if the central hub fails, then the whole network fails. Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet are the most commonly implemented types of wire local area network with the star topology. The diagram below is an application referring to the star topology.(Beal,Vangie)
Bus topology (a type of Network Topology)uses one main cable connected directly to all nodes. Under bus topology, the leading cable is the backbone of the network. One computer acts like a computer server to something like workstations or peripherals. It is commonly used when connecting to the internet and also in local area network (LAN) (Editor). The advantage with bus topology is that it is cheap and easy to connect as it requires less cable to connect than the star. Both the 10BASE-5(thin) and 10BASW (thick) Ethernet networks are used on the bus topology. The diagram below is a representation of a bus topology.
There are other topologies which are not common namely tree topology also called hybrid topology which involves two or more topologies connected. It is an excellent choice for complicated large computer connections. Since the link depends on the central hub, its failure may cripple the network. (Editor) Mesh topology involves devices connected with several redundant interconnections in between the network codes. It’s the most expensive and yields high redundancy.(Team)
References
Beal, Vangie. “What Are Network Topologies?” 15 March 2017. Webopedia. 11 February 2018 <https://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/topologies.asp>.
Editor. “Different Types of Network Topologies.” 2016. Difference Between. 11 February 2018 <http://www.differencebetween.info/different-types-of-network-topologies>.
Team, Bestofmedia. “Network Hardware & Assembly: LAN 102.” 5 March 2012. tom’s IT PRO. 11 February 2018 <http://www.tomsitpro.com/articles/local_area_network-gigabit_ethernet-networking-nics-scott_mueller,2-263-4.html>.
