Types of Network Topology

A network topology is the arrangement of a network, including its nodes and connecting lines. There are two ways of defining network geometry: the physical topology and the logical (or signal) topology.

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BUS Topology

Bus topology is a network type in which every computer and network device is connected to single cable. When it has exactly two endpoints, then it is called Linear Bus topology.

Advantages of bus topology

• It works well when you have a small network.
• Easiest network topology for connecting computers or peripherals in a linear fashion.
• Requires less cable length than a star topology.

Disadvantages of bus topology

• Difficult to identify the problems if the whole network goes down.
• It can be hard to troubleshoot individual device issues.
• 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

  In this type of topology all the computers are connected to a single hub through a cable. This hub is the central node and all others nodes are connected to the central node.

• 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 network continues to function normally.

  Disadvantages of star topology

  • Can 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

A ring topology is a computer network configuration where the devices are connected to each other in a circular shape. Each packet is sent around the ring until it reaches its final destination. Ring topologies are used in both local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) setups. The picture to the right is a visual example of a network using the ring topology to connect several computers together.

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.

MESH Topology

It is a point-to-point connection to other nodes or devices. All the network nodes are connected to each other. Mesh has n(n-1)/2 physical channels to link n devices.

There are two techniques to transmit data over the Mesh topology, they are :

1. Routing
2. Flooding

 Routing

In routing, the nodes have a routing logic, as per the network requirements. Like routing logic to direct the data to reach the destination using the shortest distance. Or, routing logic which has information about the broken links, and it avoids those node etc. We can even have routing logic, to re-configure the failed nodes.

Flooding

In flooding, the same data is transmitted to all the network nodes, hence no routing logic is required. The network is robust, and the its very unlikely to lose the data. But it leads to unwanted load over the network.

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Types of Mesh Topology

1. Partial Mesh Topology : In this topology some of the systems are connected in the same fashion as mesh topology but some devices are only connected to two or three devices.
2. Full Mesh Topology : Each and every nodes or devices are connected to each other.

      

Advantages of a mesh topology

• Can handle 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, which adds to the high costs and potential for reduced efficiency.      

TREE Topology

It has a root node and all other nodes are connected to it forming a hierarchy. It is also called hierarchical topology. It should at least have three levels to the hierarchy.  

     

Adavantages of Tree Topology

1. Extension of bus and star topologies.
2. Expansion of nodes is possible and easy.
3. Easily managed and maintained.
4. Error detection is easily done.

Disdavantages of Tree Topology

1. Heavily cabled.
2. Costly.
3. If more nodes are added maintenance is difficult.
4. Central hub fails, network fails.

HYBRID Topology

It is two different types of topologies which is a mixture of two or more topologies. For example if in an office in one department ring topology is used and in another star topology is used, connecting these topologies will result in Hybrid Topology (ring topology and star topology).