Chapter 3

Network Topologies and Technologies

Network Topology
• Topology
• Design or Structure or Layout

• Network Topology
• Topology refers to the layout of connected devices on a network.
• The pattern of interconnection of nodes in a network is called the Topology.
• This layout also determines the manner in which information is exchanged
within the network.
Why we use network topologies?

• Network topology is used initially for planning

the best way to design your network to get
maximum performance.
Types of Network Topology
Topologies can be either physical or logical.
• Physical
• Actual layout of the computer cables and other network devices
• Physical topologies describe how the cables are run.
• Logical
• The way in which the network appears to the devices that use it
• Logical topologies describe how the network messages travel
Considerations while choosing a
Topology
The factors while selecting a Topology
1. Cost
2. Flexibility
3. Reliability
Types of Physical Topology

1. Point-to-Point
2. Bus
3. Star
4. Ring
5. Mesh
6. Tree
7. Hybrid
1. Point-to-Point topology
• Point-to-Point topology is a point-to-point communication channel
that appears to the user to be permanently associated with the two
endpoints. A tin can telephone is the best example.
2. BUS Topology
• All computers and devices are connected to single cable or BUS. It
consists of a main run of cable with a terminator at each end.

Working of Bus Topology

• A device want to communicate with other device on the network
sends a broadcast message onto the wire all other devices see.
• But only the intended devices accepts and process the message
• Terminators stop signals after reaching end of wire
– Prevent signal bounce
BUS Topology Diagram
BUS Topology
• Advantages
• Works well for small networks • Disadvantages
• Relatively inexpensive to • Entire network shuts down if
implement there is a break in the main
• Easy to add it cable.
• Difficult to identify the problem if
the entire network shuts down.
• Terminators are required at both
ends of the backbone cable
Star Topology
• Here each device has a dedicated point-to-point link to the central
controller called “Hub”
• There is no direct traffic between devices.
• The transmission are occurred only through the central “hub”.
• When device 1 wants to send data to device 2;
• First sends the data to hub. Which then relays the data to the other
connected device.
Star Topology Diagram
Star Topology
Advantages
Disadvantages
• Easy to install and wire. • Requires more cable length.
• Security can be implemented in • If the hub or concentrator fails
the hub/switch. nodes attached are disabled
• Easy to detect faults and remove • More expansive due to he cost of
parts. concentrators associated with it
Ring Topology
• A network topology that is set up in a circular fashion in which data
travels around the ring in one direction and each device on the right
acts as a repeater to keep the signal strong as it travels.
• Each device incorporates a receiver for the incoming signal and a
transmitter to send the data on to the next device in the ring.
Ring Topology Diagram
Ring Topology
Advantages:

• Easy to install. Disadvantages:

• Easy to reconfigure.
• Fault identification is easy. • Unidirectional traffic.
• Break in a single ring can break
entire network.
Tree Topology
• Integrates the characteristics of star and bus topology.
• In tree topology number of star network connected using bus.
• The backbone cable is used to connect these stars, called as Bus.
Tree Topology Diagram
Tree Topology
Advantages
• Expansion of Network is possible and
easy.
• Networks divided into segments,
that can be easily maintained.
• Each segment is provided with
dedicated point-to-point wiring to
the central hub.
• If one segment is damaged, other
segments are not affected.
Disadvantages
• Relies heavily on the main bus cable, if
it breaks whole network is crippled.
• As more and more nodes and
segments are added, the maintenance
becomes difficult.
• Heavy traffic cause the network and
make it slow
MESH Topology
• Computers in mesh topologies are connected directly to every other
device with cables.
• Create point to point connection to every device on network.
• If one cable fail data always has alternative path to get to its
destination.
Mesh Topology Diagram
MESH Topology
Advantages
• Data can be transmitted from
different devices simultaneously.
• Even if one of the components
fails there is always an alternative
present. So data transfer doesn’t get
affected.
• Expansion and modification in
topology can be done without
disrupting other nodes.
Disadvantages
• Connections not fully utilized.
• Overall cost of this network is way too
high as compared to other network
topologies.
• Set-up and maintenance of this
topology is very difficult.
• Even administration of the
network is tough
Hybrid Topology
• The hybrid topology can be a combination of two or more basic
topologies, such as bus, ring, star, mesh, or tree.
• Hybrid networks combine more than two topologies, which, in turn,
enable you to get advantages of the constituent topologies.
Hybrid Topology Diagram