Network Topologies & Types

Compiled By Wadkar Harshad Suryakant

References
Behrouz A. Forouzan, Data Communication and Networking, 3rd Edition, TMH, Chapter 1 Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Computer Networks, 4th Edition, Pearson, Chapter 1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_topology faculty.uscupstate.edu/fli/fal06/scsc315/02.ppt http://www.ianswer4u.com/2011/05/bus-topology-advantagesand.html#axzz26zhgdcx7 http://www.techiwarehouse.com/engine/e96bb2f2/sitemap.php www.mhprofessional.com/.../0071789154-ch01.pdf http://blog.ocularsystems.in/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/MeshTopology.jpg http://www.completepcpedia.com/mesh_topology.html http://www.ehow.com/list_6385606_advantages-hybrid-topology.html http://vedyadhara.ignou.ac.in/wiki/images/e/e4/B3U3cit-001.pdf http://smkts.net/czul/412network.html home.iitk.ac.in/~navi/sidbinetworkcourse/lecture1.ppt
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Network & Topology

Network A network consists of two or more computers Linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow electronic communications. Linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams. Applications of Network Resource Sharing Hardware (computing resources, disks, printers) Software (application software) Information Sharing Easy accessibility from anywhere (files, databases) Search Capability (WWW) Communication Email Message broadcast Remote computing Distributed processing (GRID Computing)
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Network & Topology

Network Topology Network topology is the arrangement of the various elements (links, nodes, etc.) of a computer network.

Topology refers to the physical layout of its computers, cables, and other resources, and also to how those components communicate with each other
Network Topology Types Physical Topology Refers to the placement of the network's various components, including device location and cable installation Logical Topology Refer to how data flows within a network, regardless of its physical design.

Network Layouts
Network Layouts 1. Bus 2. Star 3. Ring 4. Tree 5. Mesh 6. Hybrid

Bus Topology

All the nodes (computers as well as servers) are connected to the single cable (called bus), by the help of interface connectors. This central cable is the backbone of the network and is known as Bus Every workstation communicates with the other device through this Bus. A signal from the source is broadcasted and it travels to all workstations connected to bus cable. Although the message is broadcasted but only the intended recipient, whose MAC address or IP address matches, accepts it. If the MAC /IP address of machine doesnt match with the intended address, machine discards the signal. A terminator is added at ends of the central cable, to prevent bouncing of signals. 6

Bus Topology

Signal Bounce With a bus topology, when a computer sends out a signal, the signal travels the cable length in both directions from the sending computer. When the signal reaches the end of the cable length, it bounces back and returns in the direction it came from. This is known as a signal bounce Signal bounce is a problem, because if another signal is sent on the cable length at the same time, the two signals will collide and be destroyed and then must be retransmitted. For this reason, at each end of the cable there is a terminator. The terminator is designed to absorb the signal when the signal reaches the end, preventing signal bounce. 7

Bus Topology
Advantages Ease of installation Cable length required for this topology is the least compared to other networks. Bus topology costs very less. Disadvantages If data is being sent between nodes then other nodes cannot transmit. If too many nodes are connected then the transfer of data slows dramatically as the nodes have to wait longer for the bus to be clear. Dependency on central cable in this topology has its disadvantages. If the main cable (i.e. bus ) encounters some problem, whole network breaks down. Maintenance costs can go higher with time. Efficiency of Bus network reduces as the number of devices connected to it increases. Applications Best suited for small networks
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Star Topology

Each node (file server, workstations, and peripherals) is connected directly to a central network hub, switch, or concentrator. This central cable is the backbone of the network and is known as Bus Data on a star network passes through the hub, switch, or concentrator before continuing to its destination. The hub, switch, or concentrator manages and controls all functions of the network. It also acts as a repeater for the data flow. 9

Star Topology
Advantages Ease of installation Simplicity of adding & removal of nodes. Easy to detect faults and to remove parts. If there is a break in the cable it affects only the system that is connected to that cable. As compared to Bus topology it gives far much better performance, signals dont necessarily get transmitted to all the workstations. A sent signal reaches the intended destination after passing through no more than 3-4 devices and 2-3 links. Performance of the network is dependent on the capacity of central hub. Centralized management. It helps in monitoring the network. Disadvantages Central Point of failure : if the hub fails, the entire network comes down. Data transfer and capability depends on capacity of the central hub
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Ring Topology

All the nodes are connected to each-other in such a way that they make a closed loop. Each workstation is connected to two other components on either side, and it communicates with these two adjacent neighbors. Data travels around the network, in one direction. Sending and receiving of data takes place by the help of TOKEN.
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Ring Topology

The node with token is the one only allowed to send data. Other nodes have to wait for an empty token to reach them. Each node gets to send the data when it receives an empty token. This helps to reduces chances of collision. Token contains a piece of information which along with data is sent by the source computer. This token then passes to next node, which checks if the signal is intended to it. If yes, it receives it and passes the empty to into the network, otherwise passes token along with the data to next node. This process continues until the signal reaches its intended destination.
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Ring Topology
Advantages Ease of installation Simplicity of adding & removal of nodes. Easy to detect faults and to remove parts (Use of Alarm signal). There is no need for network server to control the connectivity between workstations Each workstation is responsible for regenerating or boosting the signal. With the other topologies, as the signal travels the wire, it gets weaker and weaker, as a result of outside interference, eventually, it becomes in readable if the destination system is too far away. As each workstation in ring topology, regenerated the signal, the signal is stronger when it reaches it destination and seldom need to be retransmitted Disadvantages Each packet of data must pass through all the computers between source and destination. This makes it slower than Star topology. Data transfer and capability depends on capacity of the central hub
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Tree Topology

It is a hierarchical computer network that is a combination of star and bus topologies. A star topology is one of the most commonly used topologies in construction of local area networks. With one central hub connected to multiple computers, the star network ensures that if one terminal goes down, all the rest are operational due to direct linking of with the central hub, which may be a router or switch.

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Tree Topology
A bus topology involves the serial connection of computers in a linear fashion and a single cable handles the data traffic among all the computers. The tree topology is created through a combination of bus and ring topologies. This is achieved by integrating the hubs of multiple star networks together on one bus. It allows for multiple hubs to exist on a network which act as roots for terminals connected to them. This tree like branched structure of networks provides high scalability.

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Tree Topology
Advantages It is an extension of Star and bus Topologies, so in networks where these topologies can't be implemented individually for reasons related to scalability, tree topology is the best alternative. Expansion of Network is possible and easy. Error detection and correction is easy. If one segment is damaged, other segments are not affected. Disadvantages Because of its basic structure, tree topology, 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. Scalability of the network depends on the type of cable used.
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Mesh Topology

Each of the network node, computer and other devices, are interconnected with one another. Types Full Mesh Topology Partial Mesh Topology 17

Mesh Topology
Full Mesh Topology each node is connected to every other node in the network. Full mesh topology is used only for backbone networks.

Partial Mesh Topology Here, some of the systems are connected in similar fashion as in mesh topology while rests of the systems are only connected to 1 or 2 devices.

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Mesh Topology
Advantages 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 doesnt get affected. Error detection and correction is easy. If one segment is damaged, other segments are not affected. In one particular instance you can send the data from one node to many nodes Disadvantages 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 tough.
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Hybrid Topology

Diagram : star-wired ring

Diagram : star-wired bus

A hybrid topology (sometimes called a mesh or mixed topology) connects network components by combining the features of two or more other topologies (such as star, bus, ring and token-ring). The resulting hybrid topology exhibits features (and limitations) of its 20 comprising network components.

Hybrid Topology
Advantages Reliable Hybrid topologies are reliable and have increased fault tolerance than other topologies. A hybrid topology can efficiently diagnose and isolate faults. A network fault (such as a faulty node or a break in a network cable) will not affect the performance of the rest of the network. A hybrid network quickly scans all nodes and hardware points to detect where a fault lies, isolates it, and carries out further diagnostic tests. The rest of the network remains fully functional while this fault isolation and diagnosis is carried out. Flexible Hybrid networks can be expanded easily to add new systems and nodes. Effective It combines the optimal features of its combined topologies. Disadvantages It is very expensive due to implementation of multiple links for each node. It is difficult to install and reconfigure. Adding or removing a computer is difficult. 21

Network Categories

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Local Area Network (LAN)

Privately-owned networks within a single building or campus of up to a few kilometers in size. They are widely used to connect personal computers and workstations in company offices and factories to share resources (e.g., printers) and exchange information.

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Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

It normally covers the area inside a town or a city e.g. Telephone company network, Cable TV network

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Wide Area Network (WAN)

Spans a large geographical area, often a country or continent. It contains a collection of machines intended for running user (i.e., application) programs. The hosts are connected by a communication subnet, or just subnet for short. The hosts are owned by the customers (e.g., people's personal computers), whereas the communication subnet is typically owned and operated by a telephone company or Internet service provider.
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LAN, MAN, WAN

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Comparison : LAN, MAN, WAN

Sr. No. 1. 2. 3. 4. Characteristics Range (km) Speed (Mbps) Topology Location of computers 1 Upto 10 100 Bus & Ring Computers located within the same building Twisted Pair cable LAN 5 10 Distributed Queue Dual Bus (DQDB) Computers located in the city Twisted Pair and fiber optic cables Bank whose different branches in a city MAN Upto 50 WAN Upto 10000 256 kbps 2 Mbps ATM, Frame Relay, SONET Computers distributed all over the country or the Continent fiber-optics, radio waves and satellites connection of various branches of MNC such as Proctor & Gamble, IBM.

5.

Transmission Media

6.

Example

Office whose different departments such as personnel, accounting etc. are located in the same building and connected via bus topology using Ethernet cards

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Thank You.

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