NETWORKING
(TOPOLOGIES)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
TOPOLOGIES
A topology is the physical
configuration of a network that determines how the network's computers are
connected.Network topology is the interconnected patterns of network elements.
A network topology may be physical, mapping hardware configuration, or logical,
mapping the path that the data must take in order to travel around the network.
There
are seven basic types of physical topology:
- Point-to-point topology
- Bus (point-to-multipoint) topology
- Star topology
- Ring topology
- Tree topology
- Mesh topology
- Hybrid topology
Point to Point:
The
simplest topology is a permanent link between two endpoints it is a
direct connection between two nodes.
Bus Topology:
It is characterized
by common transmission medium shared by all the connected hosts, managed by
dedicated nodes. A bus topology is a topology for a Local Area Network (LAN) in
which all the nodes are connected to a single cable. The cable to which the
nodes connect is called a "backbone". If the backbone is broken, the
entire segment fails.
Advantages
of bus topology
·
It works well when you have
a small network.
·
It's the easiest network
topology for connecting computers or peripherals in a linear fashion.
·
It requires less cable
length than a star topology.
Disadvantages
of bus topology
·
It can be difficult to
identify the problems if the whole network goes down.
·
It can be hard to
troubleshoot individual device issues.
·
Bus topology is not great
for large networks.
·
Terminators are required for
both ends of the main cable.
·
Additional devices slow the
network down.
·
If a main cable is damaged,
the network fails or splits into two.
Star Topology:
Star
topology every node
connects to a central network device, like a hub, switch, or
computer. The central network device acts as a server and the
peripheral devices act as clients.
Advantages
of star topology
- Centralized management of the network, through the use of the central computer, hub, or switch.
- Easy to add another computer to the network.
- If one computer on the network fails, the rest of the nodes works.
Disadvantages
of star topology
- May have a higher cost to implement, especially when using a switch or router as the central network device.
- The central network device determines the performance and number of nodes the network can handle.
- If the central computer, hub, or switch fails, the entire network goes down and all computers are disconnected from the network.
Ring Topology:
Ring topology nodes are connected in a circular
data path. Each device is connected to two others, like
points on a circle. Together, devices in a ring topology are referred to as a ring
network.Ring network is a network topology in which
each node connects to exactly two other nodes, forming a single continuous
pathway for signals through each node
Advantages
of ring topology
- All data flows in one direction, reducing the chance of packet collisions.
- A network server is not needed to control network connectivity between each workstation.
- Data can transfer between workstations at high speeds.
- Additional workstations can be added without impacting performance of the network.
Disadvantages
of ring topology
- All data being transferred over the network must pass through each workstation on the network, which can make it slower than a star topology.
- The entire network will be impacted if one workstation shuts down.
- The hardware needed to connect each workstation to the network is more expensive.
Tree Topology:
A tree topology is a special type of
structure in which many connected elements are arranged like the branches of a tree.
A network structure which requires a root node, intermediate parent’s node, and
leaf nodes
Mesh Topology:
Mesh topology is a
type of networking where all nodes cooperate to distribute data amongst each
other. A
network setup where each computer and network device is interconnected with one
another, allowing for most transmissions to be distributed even if one of the
connections go down.
Advantages
of a mesh topology
- Manages high amounts of traffic, because multiple devices can transmit data simultaneously.
- A failure of one device does not cause a break in the network or transmission of data.
- Adding additional devices does not disrupt data transmission between other devices.
Disadvantages
of a mesh topology
- The cost to implement is higher than other network topologies, making it a less desirable option.
- Building and maintaining the topology is difficult and time consuming.
- The chance of redundant connections is high
Hybrid
Topology:
Hybrid topology is an
integration of two or more different topologies to form a resultant topology
which has many advantages.
