NETWORK TOPOLOGY

WHAT IS NETWORK TOPOLOGY?  Network Topology is the shape or physical layout of the network. This is how the computers and other devices are linked together to form a network.

Main Types of Physical Topologies  Ring Topology  Star Topology  Bus Topology

RING TOPOLOGY Ring Topology is a ring pattern which connects the computers and other devices in a circle. All devices are connected to one another in the shape of a closed loop, so that each device is connected directly to two other devices, one on either side of it.

RING TOPOLOGY

ADVANTAGES OF RING TOPOLOGY  Requires less cabling and so it is less expensive  Performs better than a bus topology under heavy network load  Does not require network server to manage the connectivity between the computers

DISADVANTAGES OF RING TOPOLOGY  If one node is down, then the entire network will not be able to function  Moving, adding and changing of a computer or other devices can affect the network  Ring networks are slower than star network

STAR TOPOLOGY Star Topology is a star pattern that connects everything to the host which is the computer that handles the network’s tasks and holds the data. All devices are connected to a hub (central device) forming a star.

STAR TOPOLOGY

ADVANTAGES OF STAR TOPOLOGY   Easy to install and wire.   No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices.   Easy to detect faults and to remove parts or devices.

DISADVANTAGES OF STAR TOPOLOGY   Requires more cable length than a linear topology.   If the hub or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled.   More expensive than linear bus topologies because of the cost of the concentrators.

BUS TOPOLOGY Bus Topology is a bus pattern connecting the computers and other devices to the same communication line. All devices are connected in a line to a central cable, called the bus or backbone. There is no central computer or server. The data transmission is bidirectional.

BUS TOPOLOGY

ADVANTAGES OF BUS TOPOLOGY  If one of the computer or devices should stop working, this will not affect the others  Easy to connect or disconnect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus.  Requires less cable length than a star topology.

DISADVANTAGES OF BUS TOPOLOGY  Cannot connect a large number of computers this way.  If the backbone cable fails, then the entire network fails.  Bus networks are slower than star network

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