UNIT OF COMPETENCE

DETERMINE BEST-FIT
TOPOLOGY

Learning Outcomes
Identify key information source

Determine user needs

Develop best topology

Determine Best-Fit Topology
Unit Descriptor
 This unit defines the competence required to

determine the most appropriate way of networking

computers to meet user needs and business
requirements.
 LO1: Identify key information source
3

Introduction to Network Topologies

 The term topology, or more specifically, network topology, refers to
the arrangement or physical layout of computers, cables, and other
components on the network.
“Topology” is the standard term that most network professionals use
when they refer to the network’s basic design
Types of Network Topology:
 Physical Topology: is A network topology that describes the physical
layout of the wire and devices as well as the paths used by data
transmissions
 Logical Topology: are describe how information or data are
transmitted or moved through the physical topology across the network.
 Introduction to Network
4
Topology
There are four types of standard Physical topologies,
such as
1. Bus
2. Star
3. Ring
4. Mesh
 Bus Topology
5
 Bus Topology
6

What is Bus Topology?

 It is often referred to as a “linear bus” because the computers are
connected in a straight line. This is the simplest and most common
method of networking computers.
In a bus topology, all computers are connected to a shared
communication line, called a trunk or a backbone.
The computers are connected to the backbone using
T-connectors.
Both ends of the backbone use terminators in order to prevent
reflection of signals or bounced signal.
If the terminator is missing or is deliberately removed, the data
transmissions are disrupted.
There is no central device or any special configuration.

A bus topology is normally implemented with coaxial cable.

 Bus Topology
7

Communication on the Bus

 In a bus topology, signals are broadcast to all stations. Each
computer checks the address on the signal (data frame) as it passes
along the bus. If the signal’s address matches that of the computer, the
computer processes the signal. If the address doesn’t match, the
computer takes no action and the signal travels on down the bus.
Only one computer can ‘talk’ on a network at a time. A media access

method (protocol) called CSMA/CD is used to handle the collisions

that occur when two signals are placed on the wire at the same time.
The bus topology is passive topology. In other words, the computers

on the bus simply ‘listen’ for a signal; they are not responsible for
moving the signal along.
 Bus Topology
8

Network Expansion in bus topology

As the physical size of the site grows, the network will need to grow as well.
Cable in the bus topology can be extended by one of the two following
methods
 A component called a barrel connector can connect two pieces of cable
together to make a longer piece of cable. However, connectors weaken the
signal and should be used carefully.
One continuous cable is preferable to connecting several smaller ones with
connectors. Using too many connectors can prevent the signal from being
correctly received.
 Bus Topology
9

Network Expansion in bus topology…

A device called a repeater can be used to connect two cables.
A repeater actually boost the signal before it sends the signal on its

way.
The following figure shows a repeater boosting a weakened signal.

A repeater is better than a connector or a longer piece of cable

because it allows a signal to travel farther and still be correctly
received.
 Bus Topology
10

Advantages of Bus Topology

 Use of cable is economical.

 Media is inexpensive and easy to work with.

 System is simple and reliable.

 Bus is easy to extend.

 Doesn't require a hub

Disadvantages of Bus Topology

 Network can slow down in heavy traffic.

 Problems are difficult to isolate.

 Cable break can affect many users.

 Increasing the number of computer will slow down the

performance of the network
 Less fault tolerant
 Star Topology
11
 Star Topology
12

What is Star Topology?

 In the star topology, cable segments from each computer are
connected to a centralized component called a hub.
 The HUB offers a common connection for all stations on the
network. Each station has its own direct cable connection to
the hub. In most cases, this means more cable is required than
for a bus topology. However, this makes adding or moving
computers a relatively easy task; simply plug them into a cable
outlet on the wall.
 Star Topology
13

Continued…
If a cable is cut, it only affects the computer that was
attached to it. This eliminates the single point of failure
problem associated with the bus topology. (Unless, of
course, the hub itself goes down.)
Star topologies are normally implemented using twisted
pair cable, specifically unshielded twisted pair (UTP).
The star topology is probably the most common form of
network topology currently in use.
 Network Topology
14

Advantages of a Star Topology

 Easy to install and wire.

 No disruptions to the network when connecting or

removing devices.
 Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

Disadvantages of a Star Topology

 Requires more cable length than a Bus topology.

 If the hub, switch, or concentrator fails, nodes attached

are disabled.
 More expensive than linear bus topologies because of the

cost of the hubs, etc.

 Ring Topology
15
 Ring Topology
16

What is Ring Topology ?

 The ring topology connects computers on a single circle of
cable.
 Data travels in the ring in a circular fashion from one
computer to another, forming a logical ring.
 Unlike the bus topology, there are no terminated ends; the
signal travels around the circle in a clockwise (or
anticlockwise) direction.
 The signals travel around the loop in one direction and pass
through each computer, which can act as a repeater to boost
the signal and send it on to the next computer. This made ring
topology to be called active topology.
 Ring Topology
17

Continued…
 Note that while this topology functions logically as ring,
it is physically wired as a star.
 The central connector is not called a hub but a
Multistation Access Unit or MAU.
 Rings are normally implemented using twisted pair or
fiber-optic cable.
 Ring Topology
18

Communication on the Ring Topology

 Under the ring concept, a signal is transferred sequentially via a
"token" from one station to the next.
When a station wants to transmit, it "grabs" the token, attaches

data and an address to it, and then sends it around the ring. The
token travels along the ring until it reaches the destination
address.
The receiving computer acknowledges receipt with a return

message to the sender. The sender then releases the token for use
by another computer.
Each station on the ring has equal access but only one station

can talk at a time.

 Ring Topology
19

Advantages of Ring Topology

 This type of network topology is very organized. Each node

gets to send the data when it receives an   empty token. This

helps to reduces chances of collision. Also in ring topology
all the traffic flows in only one  direction at very high speed.
 Growth of system has minimal impact on performance

 All stations have equal access.

 Additional components do not affect the performance of

network.
 Ring Topology
20

Disadvantages of Ring Topology

 Each packet of data must pass through all the computers
between source and destination. This makes it slower than
Star topology.
 If one workstation or port goes down, the entire network gets
affected.
 Network is highly dependent on the wire which connects
different components.
 MAU’s and network cards are expensive as compared to
Ethernet cards and hubs.
 Mesh Topology
21

Mesh Topology
 Mesh Topology
22

What is Mesh Topology?

 A mesh topology network offers superior redundancy and
reliability.
 In a mesh topology, each computer is connected to every other
computer by separate cabling.
 This configuration provides redundant paths throughout the network
so that if one cable fails, another will take over the traffic.
 While ease of troubleshooting and increased reliability are definite
pluses, these networks are expensive to install because they use a
lot of cabling.
 You can calculate the number of cables used in
mesh topology using the following formula:
 No of Cable= n (n-1)/2, where n is no of computer
used in mesh topology.
 Mesh Topology
23

Advantages of Mesh topology

 Data can be transmitted from different devices simultaneously.
 This topology can withstand high traffic.
 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.
 Mesh Topology
24

Disadvantages of Mesh topology

 There are high chances of redundancy in many of the
network connections.
 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 very
complex.
 Hybrid Topology
25

Hybrid Topology
It is combination of any two or

more network topologies.

These instances can occur where

two basic network topologies, when

connected together, can still retain
the basic network character, and
therefore not be a hybrid network.
 Star-Bus
 Star-Ring
 Hybrid Topology
26

Star Bus
 The star bus is a combination of
the bus and star topologies.
 In a star-bus topology, several
star topology networks are linked
together with linear bus trunks.
 If one computer goes down, it
will not affect the rest of the
network. The other computers
can continue to communicate. If
a hub goes down, all computers
on that hub are unable to
communicate. If a hub is linked
to other hubs, those connections
will be broken as well.
 Hybrid Topology
27

Star Ring
 The star ring (sometimes
called a star-wired ring)
appears similar to the star
bus. Both the star ring and
the star bus are centered in a
hub that contains the actual
ring or bus.
 Linear-bus trunks connect
the hubs in a star bus, while
the hubs in a star ring are
connected in a star pattern
by the main hub.
Choosing network topology
 A network's topology affects its capabilities.
 The choice of one topology over another will have
an impact on the:
 Type of equipment the network needs.
 Capabilities of the equipment.
 Growth of the network.
 Way the network is managed.
 Summary on Network
Topologies
 The physical layout of computers on a network is called a topology.
 There are four primary topologies: star, bus, ring, and mesh.
 Topologies can be physical (actual wiring) or logical (the way they
work).
 In a bus topology, the computers are connected in a linear fashion on a
single cable.
 Bus topologies require a terminator on each end of the cable.
 In a star topology, the computers are connected to a centralized hub.
 Mesh topologies connect all computers in a network to one another
with separate cables.
 In a token-ring topology, the computers are connected physically in a
star shape, but logically in a ring or circle. The data is passed from one
computer to another around the circle.
 Hubs are used to centralize the data traffic and localize failures. If one
cable breaks, it will not shut down the entire network.
 Summary on Network Topologies
Topology Advantages Disadvantages
30 Use of cable is economical. Network can slow down in
Bus   Media is inexpensive and easy to work heavy traffic. Problems are
with. difficult to isolate.
System is simple and reliable. Cable break can affect many
Bus is easy to extend. users.
System provides equal access for all Failure of one computer can
Ring computers. Performance is even despite impact the rest of the network.
many users. Problems are hard to isolate.
Network reconfiguration
disrupts operation.
Modifying system and adding new If the centralized point fails,
Star computers is easy. Centralized monitoring the network fails.
and management are possible.
Failure of one computer does not affect the
rest of the network.
System provides increased redundancy and System is expensive to
Mesh reliability as well as ease of troubleshooting. install because it uses a lot of
cabling. 
 Self check Questions on network topology
31

1) Physical or logical arrangement of network is

a) Topology b) Routing c) Networking d) None
2) In this topology there is a central controller or hub
a) Starb) Mesh c) Ring d) Bus
3) This topology requires multipoint connection
a) Starb) Mesh c) Ring d) Bus
4) Data communication system spanning states, countries,
or the whole world is
a) LAN b) WAN c) MAN d) None
5. Calculate the number of cables used for 11 computers
in mesh topology ?
A. 110 B. 55 C. 50 D. 11
 Self check Questions on network topology
32

Exercise 1.1: Case Study Problem

 A small, independent, business/home/life insurance company
consisting of an owner, a business manager, an administrator, and four
agents decides to implement a network. The company occupies half of
a small building in an office park. Their volume of business had been
stable for the past three years, but recently it has been increasing. To
handle the increased business volume, two new agents will be hired.
The Following Figure illustrates the current arrangement.

Figure 1 Case study model

Self check Questions on network topology

Continued…
 Everyone in the company has a computer, but the business manager has the only
printer. These computers are not connected by any form of networking. When
agents need to print a document, they must first copy the file to a flash disk, then
carry it to the business manager's computer, where they are finally able to print it.
Similarly, when staff members want to share data, the only means available is to
copy the data on one computer to a flash disk and insert the disk in another
computer.
 Recently, problems have arisen. The business manager is spending too much time
printing other people's documents; and it is frequently unclear which copy of a
given document is the current and authoritative version.
 Your task is to design a network for this company. To clarify the task of choosing
a solution, you ask some questions. Circle the most appropriate answers to the
following questions:
 Which type of network would you suggest for this company?
 Peer-to-peer
 Server-based
 Which network topology would be most appropriate in this situation?
 LO1: Identify key information source

Overview of Media Access Methods

 A media access method refers to the manner in which a
computer gains and controls access to the network’s physical
medium (e.g., cable).
 Common media access methods include the following:
 CSMA/CD
 CSMA/CA
 Token Passing
 Demand priority
 One of the primary concerns with media access is how to
prevent packets from colliding when two or more computers
try to transmit simultaneously.
 If two stations are transmitting at the same time, it is possible
that the signals may overlap, resulting in garbled data. Such
overlapping is referred to as a "collision."
 CSMA/CD
 CSMA/CD stands for Carrier-Sense Multiple Access with Collision
Detection.  It is a media access method which means it defines how
the network places data on the cable and how it takes it off.
 CSMA/CD specifies how bus topologies such as Ethernet handle
transmission collisions. A collision occurs when two or more
computers transmit signals at the same time.
 "Carrier Sense" means that each computer on the LAN continually listens to
the cable for the presence of a signal prior to transmitting.
 "Multiple Access" means that there are many computers attempting to transmit
and compete for the opportunity to send data (i.e., they are in contention). 
 "Collision Detection" means that when a collision is detected, the stations will
stop transmitting and wait a random length of time before retransmitting.
 Because CSMA/CD works to control or manage collisions rather
than prevent them, network performance can be degraded with
heavy traffic.  The greater the traffic, the greater the number of
collisions and retransmissions.
 CSMA/CD is used on Ethernet networks.
 CSMA/CA
 CSMA/CA stands for Carrier-Sense Multiple Access with
Collision Avoidance and is a media access method very
similar to CSMA/CD.  
 The difference is that the CD (collision detection) is
changed to CA (collision avoidance).
 Instead of detecting and reacting to collisions, CSMA/CA
tries to avoid them by having each computer signal its
intention to transmit before actually transmitting.   In
effect, the transmitting computer gives a 'heads up' prior to
transmitting.
 Although CSMA/CA can prevent collisions, it comes with
a cost in the form of the additional overhead incurred by
having each workstation broadcast it's intention prior to
transmitting. Thus, CSMA/CA is slower than CSMA/CD.
TOKEN PASSING
 Token passing is a media access method by
which collisions are prevented. 
 Collisions are eliminated under token passing
because only a computer that possesses a free
token (a small data frame) is allowed to transmit.
 The token passing method also allows different
priorities to be assigned to different stations on
the ring. Transmissions from a stations with
higher priority take precedence over stations with
lower priority.
 Token passing is used on Token Ring networks
 Demand Priority
 Demand priority is a media-access method works with a star
topology.
 In this method, a node that wishes to transmit indicates this
wish to the hub and also requests high- or regular-priority
service for its transmission. After it obtains permission, the
node begins transmitting to the hub.
 The hub is responsible for passing the transmission on to the
destination node; that is, the hub is responsible for providing
access to the network.
 By letting the hub manage access, the architecture is able to
guarantee required bandwidths and requested service priority
to particular applications or nodes.
 Demand priority is a media-access method used in a 100
megabit per second (Mbit/s) 100 Ethernet implementation
 LAN Architectures
 Network architecture refers to the manner in which
the hardware and software is structured. The
architecture includes the cable access method
(transmission), topology, and lower level protocols.
 The most common types of LAN architectures are
 Ethernet(Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet) and
 Token Ring
Ethernet (Fast Ethernet, Gigabit
Ethernet)
 Ethernet is a popular, relatively inexpensive, easy-to-install LAN architecture
with the following characteristics:
 Uses the CSMA/CD media access control.
 Data transmission normally occurs at 100 Mbps (10Mbps in the early forms and
10Gbps in the most recent forms).
 Typically implemented in a star topology (early versions used bus topology as well).
 Ethernet LANs are normally distinguished by the type of cable they use Twisted
Pair (Thinnet or Thicknet were also used in the past).
 An Ethernet LAN is often described in terms of three parameters: transmission
rate, transmission type, and segment distance or cable type.
 "100baseT" means:
 100 - transmission rate or through put of 100Mbps
 base - transmission type is baseband rather than broadband network (i.e., the signal is
placed directly on the cable, one signal at a time)
 T – the cable type (e.g. Twisted pair)
 Few types of Ethernet: 10Base2, 10Base5, 10BaseT and 10BaseF, Few types
of Fast Ethernet 100BaseT, 100BaseF, Few types of Gigabit Ethernet
1000BaseT, 1000BaseF etc..
 Token Ring
 Token ring is a relatively expensive LAN architecture
that is strongly influenced by IBM. It is very stable and
can be expanded without a significant degradation in
network performance.
 Token ring uses the token passing media access control.
Data transmission normally occurs at 4 or 16 Mbps
depending on the cable.
 Token ring is normally implemented in a logical
ring/physical star topology with a MAU (Multistation
Access Unit) as the hub. The maximum number of
stations on one ring is 260 for shielded twisted pair and
72 for unshielded twisted pair (UTP). There can be up to
33 MAUs per ring.
 Token Ring LANs normally use shielded twisted pair
(STP) but may also use unshielded twisted pair (UTP) or
fiber-optic cable. The maximum distance to the MAU
from the workstation depends on the cable and varies
from 45 meters for UTP to 100 meters for STP.