Network topologies & network devices

Network topologies

By: Anam jabeen

DEFINITION

• What is a Topology ?

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

Types of Topologies

• Bus topology• Ring topology• Star topology• Mesh topology• Tree topology• Hybrid topology

Bus Topology

• Popular on LANs because they are inexpensive and easy to install.

• Consists of a main run of cable with a terminator at each end

• All computers and devices connected to central cable or bus.

Bus topology

Ring Topology

• Primarily is used for LANs, but also is used in WANs.

• Data travels from device to device around entire ring, in one direction.

• Cable forms closed ring or loop, with all computers and devices arranged along ring.

Ring Topology

Star Topology

All devices connect to acentral device, calledhub.All data transferredfrom one computer toanother passes through hub.

Star Topology

Mesh Topology

• A network setup where each computer and network device is interconnected with one another.

• This topology is not commonly used for most computer networks as it is difficult and expensive.

Mesh Topology

Tree topology

• A tree topology combines the characteristics of bus and star topologies.

• It consists of different groups of computers attached in star topology.

• The groups are then connected to a bus backbone cable.

• Tree topology is used for the expansion of an existing network.

Tree topology

Hybrid Topology

• A combination of two or more different topologies makes a hybrid topology.

• One of the prominent advantages of this topology is its flexibility

• Since different topologies come together in a hybrid topology, managing the topology becomes difficult.

• It is also very expensive to maintain.

Hybrid Topology