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What is Network Topology

The physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables, computers, and other peripherals. Physical topology should not be confused with logical topology, which is used to pass information between work stations.

Source: ResearchGate

Importance of network topology. Plays a significant role in the functioning of networks. Star topologies are the most common set up in a LAN. This is even more true in a very small LAN such as at your home. This is because you have your single centralized device and all the other devices plug into that single centralized device. What is Star Topology. In a star topology, all the devices connect to a central node or a device. The central node can be a hub or a switch. Other devices connect to the central device via cables such as coaxial or twisted pair cables. The main advantage of the star topology is that it does not affect the communication among the devices. Star Network Topology The star network topology has every computer or device on the network connected to a central server or hub, through which each workstation is indirectly connected to all the others. Star network topologies are common in home networks, where the central connection point may be a router, switch, or network hub.

Main Types of Network Topologies

In networking, the term 'topology' refers to the layout of connected devices on a network. Thiruppavai lyrics in tamil pdf with meaning hindi. There are several different types of network topology. One can think of a topology as a network's virtual shape or structure. This shape does not necessarily correspond to the actual physical layout of the devices on the network. For example, the computers on a home LAN may be arranged in a family room circle, but it would be highly unlikely to find an actual ring topology there.

Network topologies are categorized into the following basic types. And more complex networks can be built as hybrids of two or more of the underlying topologies.

1. Star Topology

Many home networks use the star topology. A star network features a central connection point called a 'hub' that may be a hub, switch, or router. Devices typically connect to the center with Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Ethernet. Compared to the bus topology, a star network generally requires more cable, but a failure in any star network cable will only take down one computer's network access and not the entire LAN. (If the hub fails, however, the whole network also fails.)

See the illustration of Star Network Topology.

Advantages of a Star Topology

• Easy to install and wire.
• No disruptions to the network were then connecting or removing devices.
• Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

Disadvantages of a Star Topology

• It 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.

The protocols used with star configurations are usually Ethernet or LocalTalk. Token Ring uses a similar topology, called the star-wired ring.

Star-Wired Ring

A star-wired ring topology may appear (externally) to be the same as a star topology. Internally, the MAU of a star-wired ring contains wiring that allows information to pass from one device to another in a circle or ring (see fig. 3). The Token Ring protocol uses a star-wired ring topology.

2. Ring Topology

In a ring network, every device has exactly two neighbors for communication purposes. All messages travel through a ring in the same direction (either 'clockwise' or 'counterclockwise'). A failure in any cable or device breaks the loop and can take down the entire network. To implement a ring network, one typically uses FDDI, SONET, or Token Ring technology. Ring topologies are found in some office buildings or school campuses.

See the illustration of Ring Topology.

3. Bus Topology

Bus networks (not to be confused with the system bus of a computer) use a common backbone to connect all devices. A single cable, the backbone functions as a shared communication medium that devices attach or tap into with an interface connector. A device wanting to communicate with another device on the network sends a broadcast message onto the wire that all other devices see. Still, only the intended recipient accepts and processes the message.

Ethernet bus topologies are relatively easy to install and don't require much cabling compared to the alternatives. 10Base-2 ('ThinNet') and 10Base-5 ('ThickNet') both were popular Ethernet cabling options many years ago for bus topologies. However, bus networks work best with a limited number of devices. If more than a few dozen computers are added to a network bus, performance problems will likely result. Also, if the backbone cable fails, the entire network effectively becomes unusable.

See the illustration of Bus Network Topology.

Advantages of a Linear Bus Topology

• Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus.
• It requires less cable length than a star topology.

Disadvantages of a Linear Bus Topology

• The entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable.
• Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable.
• Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down.
• Not meant to be used as a stand-alone solution in a large building.

4. Tree Topology

Tree topologies integrate multiple star topologies onto a bus. In its purest form, only hub devices connect directly to the tree bus, and each hub functions as the 'root' of a tree of devices. This bus/star hybrid approach supports the network's future expandability much better than a bus (limited in the number of devices due to the broadcast traffic it generates) or a star (defined by the number of hub connection points) alone.

See the illustration of Tree Network Topology.

Advantages of a Tree Topology

• Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.
• Supported by hardware and software venders.

Disadvantages of a Tree Topology

• The overall length of each segment is limited by the type of cabling used.
• If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down.
• More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.

5. Mesh Topology

Star Topology Advantages And Disadvantages

Mesh topologies involve the concept of routes. Unlike each of the previous topologies, messages sent on a mesh network can take any of several possible paths from source to destination. (Recall that even in a ring, although two cable paths exist, messages can only travel in one direction.) Some WANs, most notably the Internet, employ mesh routing.

A mesh network in which every device connects to every other is called a full mesh. As shown in the illustration below, partial mesh networks also exist in which some devices connect only indirectly to others.

See the illustration of Mesh Network Topology. Ibm mq for docker mac.

6. Hybrid Topology

A combination of any two or more network topologies. Note 1: Instances can occur where two basic network topologies, when connected, can still retain the basic network character, and therefore not be a hybrid network. For example, a tree network connected to a tree network is still a tree network. Therefore, a hybrid network accrues only when two basic networks are connected, and the resulting network topology fails to meet one of the basic topology definitions. For example, two-star networks connected exhibit hybrid network topologies. Note 2: A hybrid topology always accrues when two different basic network topologies are connected.

5-4-3 Rule

A consideration in setting up a tree topology using Ethernet protocol is the 5-4-3 rule. One aspect of the Ethernet protocol requires that a signal sent out on the network cable reaches every part of the network within a specified time. Each concentrator or repeater that a message goes through adds a small amount of time. It leads to the rule that there can only be a maximum of 5 segments between any two nodes on the network, connected through 4 repeaters/concentrators. Also, only 3 of the parts may be populated (trunk) segments if they are made of coaxial cable. A populated section is one that has one or more nodes attached to it. In Figure 4, the 5-4-3 rule adheres to each other. The furthest two nodes on the network have four segments and three repeaters/concentrators between them.

This rule does not apply to other network protocols or Ethernet networks where all fiber optic cabling or a combination of a fiber backbone with UTP cabling is used. If there is a combination of fiber optic backbone and UTP cabling, it is simply translated to 7-6-5 rule.

Considerations When Choosing a Topology

1. Money. A linear bus network may be the least expensive way to install a network; you do not have to purchase concentrators.
2. Length of cable needed. The linear bus network uses shorter lengths of cable.
3. Future growth. With a star topology, expanding a network is easily done by adding another concentrator.
4. Cable type. The most common cable in schools is unshielded twisted pair, which is most often used with star topologies.

Other Definition of Network Topology

A network consists of multiple computers connected using some interface. Each has one or more interface devices such as a Network Interface Card (NIC) and a serial device for PPP networking. Each computer is supported by network software that provides the server or client functionality. The hardware used to transmit data across the network is called the media. It may include copper cable, fiber optic, or wireless transmission. The standard cabling used for this document is the 10Base-T category 5 Ethernet cable. It is twisted copper cabling, which appears at the surface to look similar to TV coaxial cable. It is terminated on each end by a connector that looks much like a phone connector. Its maximum segment length is 100 meters.

In a server-based network, there are computers set up to be primary providers of services such as file service or mail service. The machines providing the service are called servers, and the computers that request and use the service are called client computers.

In a peer-to-peer network, various computers on the network can act both as clients and servers. For instance, many Microsoft Windows-based computers will allow file and print sharing. These computers can work both as clients and servers and are also referred to as peers. Many networks are a combination of peer-to-peer and server-based networks. The network operating system uses a network data protocol to communicate on the net to other computers. The network operating system supports the applications on that computer. A Network Operating System (NOS) includes Windows NT, Novell Netware, Linux, Unix, and others.

Network Topology Diagram Software

It is an easy-to-use and powerful topology diagram software with pre-made examples and symbols. It has become so easy to draw network topology diagrams, network mappings, home network diagrams, wireless network diagram, Cisco network topologies, network cable diagrams, logical network diagrams, network wiring diagrams, LAN network diagrams, activity network diagrams, etc. You can download Edraw Max and get started with its inbuilt examples.

EdrawMax: a swiss knife for all your diagramming need

• Effortlessly create over 280 types of diagrams.
• Provide various templates & symbols to match your needs.
• Drag and drop interface and easy to use.
• Customize every detail by using smart and dynamic toolkits.
• Compatible with a variety of file formats, such as MS Office, Visio, PDF, etc.
• Feel free to export, print, and share your diagrams.

More Resources

The main difference between star and ring topology is that a star topology connects all the devices to one central device forming a structure similar to a star while ring topology connects every device to another two devices forming a structure similar to a ring.

A computer network is a collection of devices connected together to communicate with each other. It consists of devices such as hubs, switches, routers, printers, computer, servers, etc. A network topology is an arrangement of connected devices in the network. There are various network topologies, and star and ring are two of them. In brief, the star topology connects the devices similar to a real world star while ring topology connects the devices similar to a real-world ring.

Key Areas Covered

Star Topology For Small Business Plans

1. What is Star Topology
– Definition, Functionality
2. What is Ring Topology
– Definition, Functionality
3. What is the Difference Between Star and Ring Topology
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Star Topology, Ring Topology, Topology, Networking

What is Star Topology

In a star topology, all the devices connect to a central node or a device. The central node can be a hub or a switch. Other devices connect to the central device via cables such as coaxial or twisted pair cables. The main advantage of the star topology is that it does not affect the communication among the devices. If communication of one device fails, it does not affect the other devices. Therefore, the network administrator can replace the cables or the failed device easily. Moreover, it is easier to set up and modify the network.

On the other hand, as all the information passes through the central device, all other devices rely on that device. So, if the central device fails, it will affect the functionality of the entire network. Also, more devices connecting to the central device can increase the workload of the central device. Usually, this network type is commonly used for home and office.

What is Ring Topology

The devices in a ring topology connect to each other similar to a ring. The first device connects to the next device. That device connects to the other device. Likewise, all the devices connect, and the last devices connect back to the first device forming a structure similar to a ring. Thus, each device connects to two devices.

Star Topology For Small Business Cards

A device receives a message from the previous device, and it sends that message to the next device. Likewise, the devices can exchange data by passing messages in a specific direction. When a device passes a message to another device, that message passes one after the other until it reaches the destination.

As the devices are connected in a sequential manner, failure in one device or related cables can affect the communication of the whole network. That is a major drawback in a ring topology.

Difference Between Star and Ring Topology

Definition

A star topology is a network topology where each individual device of the network is attached to one central node whereas a ring topology is a network configuration in which device connections create a circular data path. Thus, this is the main difference between star and ring topology.

Failures

Furthermore, a major difference between star and ring topology is that, in a star topology, failure in the central node affects the entire network while failure in one device does not affect the communication of the entire network. On the other hand, in a ring topology, a failure in one device affects the whole network.

Best Topology For A Business

Connection

While all the devices connect to one central device in a star topology, each device connects to two devices in a ring topology. Hence, this is another difference between star and ring topology.

Data Flow

Also, one other difference between star and ring topology is the direction of data flow. In a star topology, data from all devices passes through the central node. In a ring topology, data travels from one device to another in a sequential manner until reaching the destination. The data flow direction can be clockwise or antilock wise.

Troubleshooting

Star Network Topology

Moreover, star topology is easier to troubleshoot while ring topology is difficult to troubleshoot.

Cost

Cost is another difference between star and ring topology. The cost for star topology is higher compared to ring topology.

Conclusion

There are various network topologies, and two of them are star and ring. The main difference between star and ring topology is that a star topology connects all the devices to a one central device forming a structure similar to a star while ring topology connects every device to another two devices forming a structure similar to a ring.

Reference:

Star Topology For Small Business Phone

1. “CCNA – Bus, Ring, Star & Mesh Topologies.” CertificationKits.com, Available here.
2. “What Is Star Topology? – Definition from Techopedia.” Techopedia.com, Available here.
3. “What Is Ring Topology? – Definition from Techopedia.” Techopedia.com, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

Best Topology For Large Network

1. “StarNetwork”By Myself – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “RingNetwork” By Myself – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia