Analysis of Network Topologies

Redundancy tends to increase complexity

complexity increases the chances of human error
Introduction to Computer Networks

Topology
There are 4 famous types of topology

 Bus (can be both logical and physical)

 Ring (can be both logical and physical)
 Star (physical only)
 Mesh (can be both logical and physical)
Introduction to Computer Networks

QoS properties of Topologies

Bus topology Ring topology
 Passive topology  Active topology
 Packet sends to all PC  Packet sends to all PC
 Half duplex  Redundancy
 Inexpensive, easy to  Dual ring
install  Half duplex extends to
 To avoid network full duplex
congestion- uses
CSMA/CD, Pure Aloha,
Slotted Aloha

 Difficult to troubleshoot
 Backbone fiber  Adding or removing any
dependency computer can disturb the
 Data collision network activity
Introduction to Computer Networks

QoS properties of Topologies

Star topology Mesh topology
 Intelligent hub or switch  Robust
 Easy to install  Security and privacy
 Easy to troubleshoot  Redundancy
 Hub can be both active  Network can be
(repeater- amplify the expanded without
signal) and passive disrupting current users

 Installation cost is higher  More cable requires

 Single point of failure
 Expensive
Introduction to Computer Networks

Which topology is to choose?

Cable Length
 Bus
 Star

Cable Type-
 twisted pair- less cost, low bandwidth
 Coaxial cable- costly, higher bandwidth
 optical fiber- costlier, higher bandwidth & speed

Cost

Scalability
 Graph– vertices, edge, cycle, connectivity, redundancy, KCL,
KVL, voltage & current divider rule, circuit laws
 Tree
 Future extension- magnetic interference, Lenz’s law
Introduction to Computer Networks

Why does Ring topology still alive?

 Working path: A>B>C>D

• Redundancy
• Uptime
• Cost

 Protected path: A>F>E>D

Introduction to Computer Networks

Why did Star win over Ring network?

• Scalability

• Plug and play