NETWORK TOPOLOGIES NETWORK DEVICES

TOPOLOGY The physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables, computers, and other peripherals.

Main Types of Physical Topologies: CONTINUE….

 A linear bus topology consists of a main run of cable with a terminator at each end.  ADVANTAGES:  Easy to connect a computer.  Requires less cable length.  DISADVANTAGES:  Network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable.  Terminators are required at ends.  Difficult to identify the problem. LINEAR BUS

STAR TOPOLOGY AAAA star topology is designed with each node connected directly to a central network hub.  A A A ADVANTAGES: EEEEasy to install. NNNNo disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices. EEEEasy to detect faults. DDDDISADVANTAGES: RRRRequires more cable length. IIIIf the hub fails, nodes attached are disabled. MMMMore expensive.

TREE OR EXPANDED STAR  A tree topology combines characteristics of linear bus and star topologies. bus and star topologies.  ADVANTAGES:  Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.  Supported by several hardware and software venders.  DISADVANTAGES:  Length of each segment is limited by the type of is limited by the type of cabling used. cabling used.

RING TOPOLOGY  In ring network, each node is connected to two adjacent is connected to two adjacent nodes in the form a closed ring nodes in the form a closed ring or loop. or loop.  ADVANTAGES:  Nodes can be easily added or removed.  Less expensive.  DISADVANTAGES:  Difficult to install and maintain.  If a node fails, it affects the entire network.

MESH TOPOLOGY  A mesh topology combines characteristics of bus, ring and star topologies.  ADVANTAGES:  Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.  Supported by several hardware and software venders.  DISADVANTAGES:  If the backbone line breaks. the entire segment goes down. the entire segment goes down.

HYBRID TOPOLOGY  It is the combination of more than one topology. than one topology.  Money  Length of cable needed  Future growth  Cable type CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CHOOSING A TOPOLOGY

NETWORK DEVICES HHHHUB: AAAA connection point for devices in a network. HHHHubs are commonly used to connect segments of a LAN. SSSSWITCH: AAAA network switch or switching hub is a computer networking device that connects network segments.  W W W WIRELESS ACCESS POINT: ((((WAP) is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi, bluetooth or related standards.

NETWORK DEVICES NNNNETWORK REPEATER: IIIIt retimes and regenerates the signals to proper amplitudes and sends them to the other segments. GGGGATEWAY: IIIIt can translate information between different network data formats or network architectures. NNNNETWORK ROUTER: IIIIt is used to route data packets between two networks.

NETWORK DEVICES BBBBRIDGE: AAAA bridge reads the outermost section of data on the data packet, to tell where the message is going. IIIIt reduces the traffic on other network segments.