Network Topology
Topology is derived from two Greek words topo and logy, where topo means 'place' and logy means 'study'. In
computer networks, a topology is used to explain how a network is physically connected and the logical flow of
information in the network. A topology mainly describes how devices are connected and interact with each
other using communication links.
In computer networks, there are mainly two types of topologies, they are:
Physical Topology: A physical topology describes the way in which the computers or nodes are connected with
each other in a computer network. It is the arrangement of various elements (link, nodes, etc.), including the
device location and code installation of a computer network. In other words, we can say that it is the physical
layout of nodes, workstations, and cables in the network.
Logical Topology: A logical topology describes the way, data flow from one computer to another. It is bound to a
network protocol and defines how data is moved throughout the network and which path it takes. In other
words, it is the way in which the devices communicate internally.
Network topology defines the layout, virtual shape, or structure of the network, not only physically but also
logically. A network can have one physical topology and multiple logical topologies at the same time.
In a computer network, there are mainly six types of physical topology, they are:
1. Bus Topology
2. Ring Topology
3. Star Topology
4. Mesh Topology
5. Tree Topology
6. Hybrid Topology
1. Bus Topology
Bus topology is the simplest kind of topology in which a common bus or channel is used for communication in
the network. The bus is connected to various taps and droplines. Taps are the connectors, while droplines are
the cables connecting the bus with the computer. In other words, there is only a single transmission line for all
nodes.
When a sender sends a message, all other computers can hear it, but only the receiver accepts it (verifying the
mac address attached with the data frame) and others reject it. Bus technology is mainly suited for small
networks like LAN, etc.
In this topology, the bus acts as the backbone of the network, which joins every computer and peripherals in the
network. Both ends of the shared channel have line terminators. The data is sent only in one direction and as
soon as it reaches the end, the terminator removes the data from the communication line (to prevent signal
bounce and data flow disruption).
, In a bus topology, each computer communicates to another computer on the network independently. Every
computer can share the network's total bus capabilities. The devices share the responsibility for the flow of data
from one point to the other in the network.
Following are the advantages of Bus topology:
● Simple to use and install.
● If a node fails, it will not affect other nodes.
● Less cabling is required.
● Cost-efficient to implement.
Following are the disadvantages of Bus topology:
● Efficiency is less when nodes are more (strength of signal decreases).
● If the bus fails, the network will fail.
● A limited number of nodes can connect to the bus due to limited bus length.
● Security issues and risks are more as messages are broadcasted to all nodes.
● Congestion and traffic on the bus as it is the only source of communication.
2. Ring Topology
Topology is derived from two Greek words topo and logy, where topo means 'place' and logy means 'study'. In
computer networks, a topology is used to explain how a network is physically connected and the logical flow of
information in the network. A topology mainly describes how devices are connected and interact with each
other using communication links.
In computer networks, there are mainly two types of topologies, they are:
Physical Topology: A physical topology describes the way in which the computers or nodes are connected with
each other in a computer network. It is the arrangement of various elements (link, nodes, etc.), including the
device location and code installation of a computer network. In other words, we can say that it is the physical
layout of nodes, workstations, and cables in the network.
Logical Topology: A logical topology describes the way, data flow from one computer to another. It is bound to a
network protocol and defines how data is moved throughout the network and which path it takes. In other
words, it is the way in which the devices communicate internally.
Network topology defines the layout, virtual shape, or structure of the network, not only physically but also
logically. A network can have one physical topology and multiple logical topologies at the same time.
In a computer network, there are mainly six types of physical topology, they are:
1. Bus Topology
2. Ring Topology
3. Star Topology
4. Mesh Topology
5. Tree Topology
6. Hybrid Topology
1. Bus Topology
Bus topology is the simplest kind of topology in which a common bus or channel is used for communication in
the network. The bus is connected to various taps and droplines. Taps are the connectors, while droplines are
the cables connecting the bus with the computer. In other words, there is only a single transmission line for all
nodes.
When a sender sends a message, all other computers can hear it, but only the receiver accepts it (verifying the
mac address attached with the data frame) and others reject it. Bus technology is mainly suited for small
networks like LAN, etc.
In this topology, the bus acts as the backbone of the network, which joins every computer and peripherals in the
network. Both ends of the shared channel have line terminators. The data is sent only in one direction and as
soon as it reaches the end, the terminator removes the data from the communication line (to prevent signal
bounce and data flow disruption).
, In a bus topology, each computer communicates to another computer on the network independently. Every
computer can share the network's total bus capabilities. The devices share the responsibility for the flow of data
from one point to the other in the network.
Following are the advantages of Bus topology:
● Simple to use and install.
● If a node fails, it will not affect other nodes.
● Less cabling is required.
● Cost-efficient to implement.
Following are the disadvantages of Bus topology:
● Efficiency is less when nodes are more (strength of signal decreases).
● If the bus fails, the network will fail.
● A limited number of nodes can connect to the bus due to limited bus length.
● Security issues and risks are more as messages are broadcasted to all nodes.
● Congestion and traffic on the bus as it is the only source of communication.
2. Ring Topology
