Computer Network Topology

What is 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 the method used to pass information between workstations.
Type of Network Topology :
Bus Topology

• Consists of two distinct and terminated ends
• Uses 'T' connector to connect a device
• Commonly used for 10Base5 and 10Base2 networks and is seldom used toda

Advantages

• Requires less cable

Disadvantages

• Difficult to move and change
• Single cable failure brings down the entire network
• Difficult to troubleshoot

Bus Topology

Ring Topology

• Each PC is connected directly to two other PC's
• Data Move one way
• Uses network token-passing access methods referred to as Token Ring.

Advantages

• Easy to troubleshoot

Disadvantages

• Expensive (use multiple cable)
• Single cable failure bring down the entire network

Ring Topology

Star Topology

• PC's are connected to a central point (hub, switch, access point)
• Commonly used for 10Base-T, 100Base-TX or 1000Base-T network

Advantages

• Single cable failure won't bring the whole network down
• Easy to troubleshoot
• Scalable

Disadvantages

• Expensive (multiple cable)
• Single point of failure (hub, switch)

Star Topology

Mesh Topology

• Path from every machine to every other machine
• n hosts = n(n-1)/2 connections
• Partial mesh don't incur quite the same expense in term of cabling but, of course, lose some of the redundancy

Advantages

• High fault tolerance

Disadvantages

• Very expensive, multiple cables

Mash Topology

Hybrid / Tree Topology

• Combination of two or more types of physical or logical network topology
  
  
  Hybrid / Tree Topology

Point-to-Point Topology

• Direct connection between two device
  

Point-to-Point Topology

Point-to-Multipoint Topology

• Connections between an interface on a router to multiple destination routers
  

Point-to-Multipoint Topology