Topology refers to the way in which the computers are connected in a network.

The choice of topology is dependent upon the number and type of equipment being used and the cost. There are 5 major network topologies:
Bus Ring Mesh Star Hybrid

 Nodes connect only to the bus. Bus networks later began to use a specialized central node called a "hub" to make the practice of attaching nodes easier.

Disadvantage : Any break in the cable will cause all nodes on the cable to loose connection to the network.

 Easiest way to add more computers into a network Connecting each computer in series to the next in ring structure. Number of transmitters and receivers can reduced, since a message will eventually loop all of the way around. Disadvantage : Single workstation going down can break the entire ring in this topology

 At least two nodes with two or more paths between them. Every node has a connection to every other node in the network. Disadvantage: Expensive Advantage: Alternate connections or routes exist between nodes incase one does down.

 Connect all of the systems to a central node. This central hub rebroadcasts all transmissions received from any peripheral node All nodes may communicate with all other nodes and receiving from, the central node only. Failure of a transmission line will result in the isolation of that peripheral node from all others The rest of the systems will be unaffected

 Hybrid networks use a combination of any two or more topologies Resulting network does not have one of the standard form

A hybrid topology is always produced when two different basic network topologies are connected