Network Topology

Network topology is a physical arrangement of connecting various computers for

networking.

Types of Topology
 Ring Topology
 Bus Topology
 Star Topology

Ring Topology
Here all the nodes are joined together to form a ring. There is no central server
in this case.
Advantages:
 Suitable for optical fibers.
 Easy to install.
 Fault identification is easy.

Disadvantages:
 Unidirectional traffic.
 Break in a single ring can break entire network.
 Network reconfiguration is difficult.

Bus Topology
Here all the nodes share a common bus of connecting cables.
Advantages:
 Short cable length and simple wiring layout.
 Easy to extend.
 Works better for smaller networks.

Disadvantages:
 Fault identification is difficult.
 Fault isolation is difficult.
 Heavy traffic and addition of devices degrades the performance.

Star Topology
Here all nodes are connected to a central computer.
Advantages:
 Fault identification is easy.
 Fault isolation is easy.
 Easier to expand.

Disadvantages:
 No distruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices.
 Increased devices causes traffic which makes the network slow.
 Whole network depends on a single point. Failure of that point causes
network failure