Classification of Network Topologies

Physical Topologies
• The mapping of the nodes of a network and the physical
connections between them – i.e., the layout of wiring, cables,
the locations of nodes, and the interconnections between the
nodes and the cabling or wiring system

Logical Topology
• The mapping of the apparent connections between the nodes
of a network, as evidenced by the path that data appears to
take when traveling between the nodes

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 Main Types of Topologies
The five most common network topologies
(physical) -

• Bus
• Ring
• Star
• Mesh

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Introduction to Computer Networks

Bus Topology
Commonly referred to
as a linear bus, all the
devices on a bus
topology are connected
by one single cable.
Bus Topology – Hardware required

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 Bus Topology –
Merits and Demerits
• Merits of a Bus Topology
• Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus
• Requires less cable length than a star topology

• Demerits of a Bus Topology

• Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main
cable
• Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone
cable
• Difficult to identify the problem / location of the problem
as the entire network shuts down

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Introduction to Computer Networks

Ring Topology
A frame travels around the ring,
stopping at each node. If a node
wants to transmit data, it adds the
data as well as the destination
address to the frame.
The frame then continues around
the ring until it finds the
destination node, which takes the
data out of the frame.
Single ring – All the devices on
the network share a single cable
Dual ring – The dual ring topology
allows data to be sent in both
directions.
 Ring Topology –
Merits and Demerits
• Merits of a Ring Topology
• Point-to-point wiring for individual segments
• Supported by several hardware and software venders

• Demerits of a Ring Topology

• Overall length of each segment is limited by the type of
cabling used
• If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down
• More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies

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Introduction to Computer Networks

Star & Tree Topology

The star topology is the most
commonly used architecture in
Ethernet LANs.
When installed, the star
topology resembles spokes in
a bicycle wheel.
Larger networks use the
extended star topology also
called tree topology. When
used with network devices that
filter frames or packets, like
bridges, switches, and routers,
this topology significantly
reduces the traffic on the wires
by sending packets only to the
wires of the destination host.
 Star Topology –
Merits and Demerits
• Merits of a Star Topology
• Easy to install and wire
• No disruptions to the network while connecting or removing
devices
• Easy to detect faults and to remove nodes (except the central
one)

• Demerits of a Star Topology

• Requires more cable length than a bus topology
• If the hub or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled
• More expensive than bus topologies because of the cost of the
concentrators

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 Tree Topology –
Merits and Demerits
• Merits of a Tree Topology
• Individual segments can be linked to increase the
overall length of the network
• Easy to segregate each zone from the other

• Demerits of a Tree Topology

• Difficult to provide different services to each node in
the same sub-tree

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Introduction to Computer Networks

Mesh Topology
The mesh topology
connects all devices (nodes)
to each other for
redundancy and fault
tolerance.
It is used in WANs to
interconnect LANs and for
mission critical networks
like those used by banks
and financial institutions.
Implementing the mesh
topology is expensive and
difficult.
An example of a Mesh Network is the
Mobile Adhoc Network or MANet
 Mesh Topology –
Merits and Demerits
• Merits of a Mesh Topology
• Fault-tolerance is very high
• Reliability is very high

• Demerits of a Mesh Topology

• Uses a lot of cable
• Every node needs to connected to every other node in the
network
• Adding or removing nodes is very difficult

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Topologies – Revised

Partial

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