Network Topologies

Contents

 What is topology?

 Types of topology?

 Working of topologies

 Flow of data with in topologies

 Advantages and disadvantages

What is Topology?

The way devices on the network are physically connected is known as topology.

or

The physical layout or the way in which network connections are made is called a topology.

Types of Topologies

Four Types of Topology

1. Bus Topology

2. Star Topology

3. Ring Topology

4. Mesh Topology

Bus Topology

In bus topology, all computers or network nodes are connected to a common communication medium. This medium is a

central wire called a “bus”.

Working of Bus Topology

 If one computer wants to send the data to another computer in the network, it sends the data & destination address via the

“bus”.

 This data & address move from one end of the network to the other.

 Each computer checks this address & if it matches with this computer, the computer keeps the data. Otherwise…………….
 the data moves to the next computer.

a network setup using bus topology

Data Flow

Communication on the bus topology occurs in the following manner

 Sending the signal

 Signal bounce back

 Terminators

Sending Signal

 Data is sent to all of the computers on the network

 Transmission of data is bi-directional

 Information is accepted only by the computer whose address matches

 Only one computer can send data on the cable at a time

 While two computers are communicating, all other computers remain in wait.

Signal Bounce

 If the signals were allowed to continue, it would keep bouncing back and forth along the cable and stop other computers from

sending signals.

 Backing of the signals is called bounce back.

Terminators

 To stop the signals from bouncing, terminator is placed at each end of the cable to absorb free signals.

 Absorbing the signal clears the cable, so that other computers can send data.
  Terminators are used to avoid collisions.

 Bus topology uses coaxial cable as a medium.

Advantages

 It is very simple, easy to use & reliable for very small networks

 It is easy to install and configure

 Least amount of cable is required to connect the computers so it is less expensive

 It is easy to extend as two cables can be joined to make a larger cable

Disadvantages

 It can support only a small number of computers. As the number of computers increases, the network get slower.

 It is difficult to troubleshoot a bus. A cable break, fault in any one computer or a loose connection can breakdown the whole

network.

 Each connector reduces the strength of the electrical signal

Star Topology

In star topology all the cables run from the computers to a central location, where they all are connected to a device called “HUB”

Working of Star Topology

 If two computers want to share data , the sender computer sends the data to the hub & hub sends it to the receiving computer.

 Each computer communicate with each other by a central HUB.

 So, hub provide a central connection point for all computers across a network.

 Star topology uses a separate cable for each computer, that cable connects a computer to a central device i.e hub.

a network setup using star topology

Data Flow

 Multiple computers can send and receive data at the same time

 Each computer sends and receives data using its own cable

Connectivity

 A specific device is used as a central component called “hub”.

Advantages

 It is easy to modify & new computers can be added to the central hub or any computer can be removed without affecting the

network.

 It is usually easy to troubleshoot a star network.

 If any computer in the star topology breaks down, the network is not affected.

 It is more flexible among the remaining topology.

 It is much fast topology.

 Multiple cable types supported by hubs.

Disadvantages

 If the central hub fails, the whole network breaks down.

 Star network requires more communication cable than any other network.

 It is more expensive.

Ring Topology

Ring topology looks like the bus topology with connected ends.

But………………

In functionality it is different.

Working of Star Topology

 Each computer is connected to the next computer in the form of ring.

 Each retransmit what it receives from the previous computer.

 The message flow in one direction.

  Ring topology connects computers on a single circle of cable.

 There is no terminated ends

 Signals travel around the loop in one direction and pass through each computer.

 Unlike bus topology, each computer acts like a repeater to boost the signal and send it to the next computer.

 It is called endless topology.

 In ring topology, data flows in ring and in clock-wise direction.

 Ring topology is based on “Token Ring Mechanism”.

Token Passing……..

 A token is passed around the network.

 The computer that has token can transmit data.

 Token is passed from computer to computer until it reaches to its destination.

 The destination device returns an acknowledgement to the sender.

 The token is then given to another device, giving it ability to transmit.

 The sending computer modified the token, puts address with the data and sends it around the ring.

 Data passed by each computer until it finds the computer with an address that matches.

 Token is used as a carrier.

 It is called token grab.

Advantages

 All computers on the ring have equal access to the network.

 It performs well under a heavy load.

Disadvantages

 Failure of one computer can affect the whole network.

 It is difficult to troubleshoot the ring network.

 Adding or removing a computer affects the whole network.

a network setup using mesh topology

OSI Reference Model

 Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model

 Standard model for network communications

 Allows dissimilar networks to communicate

 Defines 7 protocol layers

OSI Layers Diagram

Network Protocols = IP , IPX

OSI Layers Detail

1. Physical

Defines physical means of sending data over network devices

Interfaces between network medium and devices

Defines optical, electrical and mechanical characteristics

2. Data Link

Defines procedures for operating the communication links

Frames packets

Detects and corrects packets transmit errors

3. Network

Determines how data are transferred between network devices

Routes packets according to unique network device addresses

Provides flow and congestion control to prevent network resource

depletion

4. Transport

Manages end-to-end message delivery in network

Provides reliable and sequential packet delivery through error recovery and flow control mechanisms

5. Session

Manages user sessions and dialogues

Controls establishment and termination of logic links between users

Reports upper layer errors

6. Presentation

Manages user sessions and dialogues

Controls establishment and termination of logic links between users

 Reports upper layer errors

7. Application

Defines interface-to-user processes for communication and data transfer in network

OSI Reference Model Data Flow

7 Application

6 Presentation

5 Session

4 Transport

3 Network

2 Data Link

1 Physical

As the data passes through each layer on the client information about that layer is added to the data.. This information is stripped off

by the corresponding layer on the server.

Hub (Hybrid Unit Board)

 It works on layer one (Physical)

 It has One Collision domain or one way for sending data.

 It always broadcast.

 It communicates computers of one network.

 It’s differentiated by it’s sticker and it’s port (hub link)

Switch

 It works on layer two (data link)

 It has many collision domain. Each port is one collision domain.

 It broadcasts at first time.

 It communicates all computers of same network.

 It’s speed is better than Hub.

Router

 It works on layer three (Network)

 It communicates different network.

 It has it’s own OS which can be configured by Computer.

 It has four Modes

 User Mode

 Privileged Mode

 Global Mode

 Sub Global Mode.

 It’s best than all.

Protocols

 Protocols are set of rules for computers use to communicate over a network.

 TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

 It’s default protocol which is used for computers to communicate with other computers in the network.

 It provides addresses which is 32bits.

 Divided into 4 octets and each octet contain 8 bits. E.g. 192.168.0.1

TCP/IP Addressing

 IP address is a 32-bit number that identifies a host on a TCP/IP network.

 IP Address is divided into three Classes

 Class A (0.0.0.0 – 126.255.255.255)

 Class B (128.0.0.0 – 191.255.255.255)

 Class C (192.0.0.0 – 223.255.255.255)

 IP addresses have two Parts

 Host

 Network
  Host

 It’s called for the computer address.

 Network

 It’s called for the Network Address in which the host located.

 Every Classes of TCP/IP Identify their own number of Hosts and Network.

Network portion of IP specified by Mask (255).

Class A

128 0 0 0

255 0 0 0

In this Class we have 1 Network and 3 hosts portion.

TCP/IP Addressing

Each octet is equal to 8 bits which is equal to 255 decimal number.

0 Stands for OFF bits

 Class B

170 100 0 0

255 255 0 0

 In this Class we have 2 Network and 2 hosts portion.

 Class C

200 100 100 0

255 255 255 0

 In this Class we have 3 Network and 1 Hosts portion.

Protocols

 There are other protocols like

  IPX / SPX

 Apple Talk

 Netbios

 NWlink etc

 These protocols were used with Workstations , Macintosh and Apple Talk computers.

Network Cabling

 There are lots of Cables which are used in Network to communicate computers and Network devices to each others. The main

cables are .

 Straight through Cables

 Cross through Cables

 Rollover cables

Straight Through Cables

 This type of cables are used to join two different divices.

 E.g. PC to Switch , Switch to Router , PC to Hub.

Cross Through Cable

 It connects same devices .

 E.g. PC to PC , Switch to Switch etc.

Rollover Cables

 It connects switch or Router to computer through console port.

Coaxial Cable

 Types of cables which are used for communication.

 Co axial

 Made By Copper ,

 Data move in the form of Electronic

 cheap but slow.

  The connector of this wire is BNC.

 E.g. TV Cable

 Length Covers about 500 m.

Twisted-Pair

 It ‘s the network media of choice

 It’s well suited to the need of the modern network.

 It’s used for both telephone and Network.

 Two Types T-P Cables

 Shielded Twisted pair (STP)

 Untwisted Twisted Pair (UTP)

 The difference between STP and UTP is the extra shielding cover of it.

 The distance is longer than UTP.

Fiber Optic Cables

 It’s newcomer in the Networking scene.

 Uses Electric signals to send data transmission.

 Travels distances measured in Kilometers.

 Covers the distance of 10 Km plus.

 It’s costly than other cables.

Devices Port

FAKLUTI PENGURUSAN MAKLUMAT

NETWORK OPERATING SYSTEM

Unlike operating systems, such as DOS and Windows, that are designed for single users to control one computer, network operating

systems (NOS) coordinate the activities of multiple computers across a network. The network operating system acts as a director to

keep the network running smoothly.

The two major types of network operating systems are:

Peer-to-Peer

• Client/Server

Peer-to-Peer

Peer-to-peer network operating systems allow users to share resources and files located on their computers and to access shared

resources found on other computers. However, they do not have a file server or a centralized management source (See fig. 1). In a

peer-to-peer network, all computers are considered equal; they all have the same abilities to use the resources available on the

network. Peer-to-peer networks are designed primarily for small to medium local area networks. AppleShare and Windows for

Workgroups are examples of programs that can function as peer-to-peer network operating systems.

Fig. 1. Peer-to-peer network

Advantages of a peer-to-peer network:

Less initial expense - No need for a dedicated server.

Setup - An operating system (such as Windows XP) already in place may only need to be reconfigured for peer-to-peer

operations.

Disadvantages of a peer-to-peer network:

Decentralized - No central repository for files and applications.

Security - Does not provide the security available on a client/server network.

Client/Server

Client/server network operating systems allow the network to centralize functions and applications in one or more dedicated file servers

(See fig. 2). The file servers become the heart of the system, providing access to resources and providing security. Individual

workstations (clients) have access to the resources available on the file servers. The network operating system provides the

mechanism to integrate all the components of the network and allow multiple users to simultaneously share the same resources

irrespective of physical location. Novell Netware and Windows 2000 Server are examples of client/server network operating systems.

Fig. 2. Client/server network

Advantages of a client/server network:

Centralized - Resources and data security are controlled through the server.

Scalability - Any or all elements can be replaced individually as needs increase.

Flexibility - New technology can be easily integrated into system.

Interoperability - All components (client/network/server) work together.

Accessibility - Server can be accessed remotely and across multiple platforms.

Disadvantages of a client/server network:

Expense - Requires initial investment in dedicated server.

Maintenance - Large networks will require a staff to ensure efficient operation.

Dependence - When server goes down, operations will cease across the network.

Examples of network operating systems

The following list includes some of the more popular peer-to-peer and client/server network operating systems.

AppleShare
• Microsoft Windows Server

• Novell Netware