Computer Network Topology

Computer Network topology

Arranging computers in a network is called topology

Types of topology

1. Bus topology
2. Star topology
3. Ring topology
4. Mesh topology
5. Hybrid  topology

1 Bus topology

All the computers are connected to a single cable is known as bus topology

Advantage of bus topology

Less expensive

Installation is easy

Easy of configure

Disadvantage

If the cable fails , the complete network will fail,because all the computers are connected by a single cable.

Data collisions

Signal strength will be low,because more computers are connected.

No security for the data transfer ,because every system is received the message

2 Star topology

All the computers will connect to the centralized device(a single point) is called star topology.These centralized device can be either hub or switch.If the centralized device is hub the data transmission will be broadcast.

Broadcast means message transfer will be available on all connected computers.

If the centralized device is switched the data transmission will be unicast.

Unicast means sending the message to only one computer based on the destination address.

Advantage of star topology

Less expensive and security

Disadvantage

If the centralized device fails , the complete network will fail,because all the computers are connected by a centralized device.

3 Ring topology

In ring topology systems are connected in edges.Data will transfer in uni direction in circular fashion.

Advantage of ring topology

No collision, because the data will transfer unidirectional.

Disadvantage

More expensive

Difficult to reconfigure

If any system fails, data transmission will fail.

To find mistakes is not easy.

Less security

4 Mesh topology

Mesh Topology is a network configuration where every device is interconnected with every other device, providing multiple routes for data to travel. The nodes are connected to each other completely via a dedicated link during which information travels from nodes to nodes. If a mesh network has N nodes, then there are N(N-1)/2 links. Each computer not only sends its signals but also transfers data from other computers. The connections within the mesh are often wired or wireless.

Advantages of Mesh Topology

In case of failure of a single device, the entire network didn’t break.

There is no traffic problem as there is a dedicated point to point links for every device.

Mesh Topology provides high privacy and security.

Data transmission is more consistent because failure doesn’t disrupt its processes.

Adding new devices won’t disrupt transmission of data.

Disadvantages of Mesh Topology

Mesh Topology is costly as compared to the other network topologies i.e. star, bus, point to point topology.

Installation of nodes are difficult in mesh topology.

Power requirement is higher as all the nodes will need to remain active all the time and share the load.

Each node requires a extra utility cost.

More maintenance is required in mesh topology.

 5 Hybrid  topology

A hybrid topology is defined as a network topology that combines two or more different network topologies. Connection of multiple topology is called hybrid topology .A hybrid topology can be a combination of bus topology, ring topology and mesh topology.

 

Advantages of Hybrid Topology

Below are the advantages of hybrid topology:

Adding a new node or deleting the existing node is easy in hybrid topologies.

Hybrid topology is more secure, reliable, and scalable as compared to individual star, ring and mesh topology.

Error detection and troubleshooting is easier in hybrid topology.

When an organization has a large geographical area utilizing hybrid topology is considered a better option.

Traffic with large volume is handled easily by the hybrid topology.

The overall performance and speed is greater in hybrid topology.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology

Below are the disadvantages of hybrid topology:

The design and implementation of hybrid network topology is difficult.

More number of cables and other physical devices are required for hybrid topology.

The process of installation of hybrid topology is difficult.

The overall implementation, setup and process of hybrid topology is much more costlier.

Prepared based on the informative YouTube video of Sandeepa Sarathi Sir.