18-04-2014, 04:58 PM
Computer Network Topologies
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What is a Topology?
• Network topologies describe the ways in which the elements of a
network are mapped. They describe the physical and logical
arrangement of the network nodes.
• The physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of
cables, computers, and other peripherals
Bus Topology
Advantages of Bus Topology
• It is Cheap, easy to handle and implement.
• Require less cable
• It is best suited for small networks.
Disadvantages of Bus Topology
• The cable length is limited. This limits the number of stations that
can be connected.
• This network topology can perform well only for a limited number of
nodes.
Star Topology
• In a star network, each node (file server, workstations, and peripherals) is
connected to a central device called a hub.
• The hub takes a signal that comes from any node and passes it along to
all the other nodes in the network.
• 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.
• The star topology reduces the chance of network failure by connecting
all of the systems to a central node.
Mesh Topology
• In this topology, each node is connected to every other node in the
network.
• Implementing the mesh topology is expensive and difficult.
• In this type of network, each node may send message to destination
through multiple paths.
• While the data is travelling on the Mesh Network it is automatically
configured to reach the destination by taking the shortest route which
means the least number of hops.