24/02/2020

TOPOLOGY
It is the layout of computers cables and peripherals and also the paths that data travels along a
network

There are 2 forms of network topologies

Physical

 It explains how the computers and peripherals are physically connected

 It is a map showing how each piece of hardware is connected to other hardware on a
network
 It can be via cables or could be wireless

Logical Topology

 It explains how data passes between network devices

 It is a map showing the logical path of data around the network
 The logical topology maybe different from its physical topology

Categories of Networks

Point to Point Networks

 It has many connections between individual pairs of machines

 Packets of data will pass through intermediate nodes

It uses routing algorithms to route packets

Broadcast Networks

A single communication channel that is shared by all machines on the network

Packets are sent by a machine and received by all the others

The address field specifies the recipient

LAN main factors that determine choice of topology are

Office layout

Need for redundancy

Cost

Standard Topologies

Bus – A series of computers connected along a single cable

02/02/2020
Network Topologies

Hubs Switches
Passive device Active device
Fewer ports Many ports
Broadcasts data Determines which port the destination device
connects to
Handles one conversation at a time Handles several conversations at a time
Shares band width Does not share bandwidth
Layer 1 Layer 2

Selecting a logical topology

1. Can be driven by the use of legacy equipment

2. Network size
3. Cost restrictions
4. Difficulty of running cables

PLANNING A LOGICAL TOPOLOGY

1. Network components
2. Hardware
3. Protocols
4. Physical topology
5. Security Needs
6. Traffic patterns
7. Need for future expansion
8. Server capabilities
9. Internet Access requirements

Network Media

1. Factors to consider when choosing Media

2. Band width
3. Maximum segment length
4. Maximum number of segments per internetwork
5. Maximum number of devices per segment
6. Interface susceptibility
7. Connection hardware
8. Cable grade
9. Bend Radius
10. Cost of materials and installation
Physical Cable Types
Homework
It has been suggested that there are three options for providing a network. You can use Token Ring
Infrastructure, Ethernet and structured cabling or use WI-FU

Explain the difference between Ethernet, Token Ring and WI-FI and make a recommendation on any
of the technologies above. You should discuss differences in topology , data rates and type of cable
required.