NETWORK TOPOLOGY
Network topoly - refers to layout of the computers and devices in a communications network
Physical topology: the configuration of cables, computers and other peripherals.
logical topology: the path that data travels between computers on a network.
Types of network topology:-
A. Bus
Diagram:
Definition (physical topology) - a bus network consists of a single central cable (backbone/truck), to which all computers and oyher devices connect (node)
Description: the bus is the physical cable that connect the computers and other devices.
each devices connected to the single bus cable through t-conmecter.
A terminator is required at each end of the bus cable to prevent the signal from bouncing back and forth on bus cable.
Advantages:
1) failure of one device usually does not affect the rest of the bus network
2) bus networks are inexpensive and easy to install
3) computers and other devices canbe attached and detached any point on the bus without disturbing the rest of the network.
Disadvantages:
1) the network will be malfunctioned if the single central cable breaks down.
2) a break in the backbone will prevent all systems from accessing the network.
3) if more computers are connected, the performancd of the network will become slower because of data collisison
B. Ring
Diagram:
Definition (Physical topology): A cable forms a closed loop (ring) with all computers and devices arranged along the ring
Logical/data transmit: data transmitted on a ring network travels from device to device around the entire ring, in one direction.
Advantages:
1) All computers have equals access to the resourced in the network.
2) the uses of token passing enable all devices in a ring topology to share the network resources fairly.
3) cable faults are easily located, making troubleshooting easier
4) data packet are flowing in one direction at high speed around the ring.
5) the transmission of data is relatively simple as packets travel in one direction only.
Disadvantages:
1) the network will be malfunctioned if the device breaks down.
2) a ring network can span a larger distance than a bus network but it is more difficult to install.
3) data packets must pass through every computer therefore,this makes it slower.
C. Star
Diagram:
Definition (physical topology): all the computers and other devices on the network connect to a central device (hub/switch), thus forming a star.
Description: two types of devices that provide a common central connection point to all the other devices on the network are a hub and a switch.
Logical (data transmit): in a star network, data, information and instructions transfer from one node to another node passes through hub/switch.
Advantages:
1) if one device (pc/printer) fails, only that device is affected.
2) devices can be added to or removed from network with little or no distruption.
3) easy to troubleshoot and isolate problem.
Disadvantages:
1) the network will be malfunctioned if the hub or switch break down.
2) requires more cable than most of the other topologies
Physical topology: the configuration of cables, computers and other peripherals.
logical topology: the path that data travels between computers on a network.
Types of network topology:-
A. Bus
Diagram:
Definition (physical topology) - a bus network consists of a single central cable (backbone/truck), to which all computers and oyher devices connect (node)
Description: the bus is the physical cable that connect the computers and other devices.
each devices connected to the single bus cable through t-conmecter.
A terminator is required at each end of the bus cable to prevent the signal from bouncing back and forth on bus cable.
Advantages:
1) failure of one device usually does not affect the rest of the bus network
2) bus networks are inexpensive and easy to install
3) computers and other devices canbe attached and detached any point on the bus without disturbing the rest of the network.
Disadvantages:
1) the network will be malfunctioned if the single central cable breaks down.
2) a break in the backbone will prevent all systems from accessing the network.
3) if more computers are connected, the performancd of the network will become slower because of data collisison
B. Ring
Diagram:
Definition (Physical topology): A cable forms a closed loop (ring) with all computers and devices arranged along the ring
Logical/data transmit: data transmitted on a ring network travels from device to device around the entire ring, in one direction.
Advantages:
1) All computers have equals access to the resourced in the network.
2) the uses of token passing enable all devices in a ring topology to share the network resources fairly.
3) cable faults are easily located, making troubleshooting easier
4) data packet are flowing in one direction at high speed around the ring.
5) the transmission of data is relatively simple as packets travel in one direction only.
Disadvantages:
1) the network will be malfunctioned if the device breaks down.
2) a ring network can span a larger distance than a bus network but it is more difficult to install.
3) data packets must pass through every computer therefore,this makes it slower.
C. Star
Diagram:
Definition (physical topology): all the computers and other devices on the network connect to a central device (hub/switch), thus forming a star.
Description: two types of devices that provide a common central connection point to all the other devices on the network are a hub and a switch.
Logical (data transmit): in a star network, data, information and instructions transfer from one node to another node passes through hub/switch.
Advantages:
1) if one device (pc/printer) fails, only that device is affected.
2) devices can be added to or removed from network with little or no distruption.
3) easy to troubleshoot and isolate problem.
Disadvantages:
1) the network will be malfunctioned if the hub or switch break down.
2) requires more cable than most of the other topologies
