NETWORK TOPOLOGY

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Diagram of different network

topologies.

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Introduction
A topology refers to both the physical and

logical

layout of a network. The physical

topology of a network refers to the actual layout

of the computer cables and other network
devices.
The logical topology of a network, on the other

hand, refers to the way in which the network

appears to the devices that use it.
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Types
Several topologies are in use for networks

today. Some of the more common include.

Bus topology
Ring topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Tree topology
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Bus Topology
All devices are connected to a central

cable, called the bus or backbone.

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Advantages
Compared to other topologies, a bus is

cheap and easy to implement.

Requires less cable than other topologies.
Does

not use any specialized network

equipment.

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Disadvantages
There might be network disruption when

computers are added or removed.

Because

all

systems

on

the

network

connect to a single backbone, a break in

the cable will prevent all systems from
accessing the network.
Difficult to troubleshoot.
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Ring Topology
All devices are connected to one another in

the shape of a closed loop, so that each

device is connected directly to two other
devices, one on either side of it.

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Advantages
Cable faults are easily located, making

troubleshooting easier.
Ring

networks are moderately easy to

install.

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Disadvantages
Expansion

to

the

network

can

cause

network disruption.
A single break in the cable can disrupt the

entire network.

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Star Topology
In the star topology, all computers and other network

devices connect to a central device called a hub or switch.

Each connected device requires a single cable to be

connected to the hub, creating a point-to-point connection

between the device and the hub.
Using a separate cable to connect to the hub allows the

network to be expanded without disruption to the network.

A break in any single cable will not cause the entire
network to fail.
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Star Topology

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Advantages
Star networks are easily expanded without

disruption to the network.

Cable failure affects only a single user.
Easy to troubleshoot and isolate problems.

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Disadvantages
Requires more cable than most of the

other topologies.
A central connecting device allows for a

single point of failure.

More

difficult than other topologies to

implement.
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Mesh Topology
The mesh topology incorporates a unique network

design in which each computer on the network

connects to every other, creating a point-to-point
connection between every device on the network.
The purpose of the mesh design is to provide a

high level of redundancy. If one network cable

fails, the data always has an alternative path to
get to its destination.
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Mesh topology

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Advantages
Provides redundant paths between devices
The network can be expanded without

disruption to current users.

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Disadvantages
Requires more cable than the other LAN

topologies.
Complicated implementation.

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Tree topology
Tree topologies are comprised of the multiple star

topologies on a bus. Tree topologies integrate

multiple star topologies together onto a bus.
Only the hub devices can connect directly with the

tree bus and each Hub functions as a root of a tree

of the network devices.
This bus/star/hybrid combination supports future

expandability of the computer networks, much

better than a bus or star.
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Tree Topology

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Advantages
It is the best topology for a large computer network for

which a star topology or ring topology are unsuitable due to

the sheer scale of the entire network. Tree topology divides
the

whole

network

into

parts

that

are

more

easily

manageable.
Tree topology makes it possible to have a point to point

network.
All computers have access to their immediate neighbors in

the network and also the central hub. This kind of network
makes it possible for multiple network devices to be
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connected with the central
hub.

Advantage
It overcomes the limitation of star network

topology, which has a limitation of hub

connection points and the broadcast traffic
induced

limitation

of

bus

network

topology.
A tree network provides enough room for

future expansion of a network.

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Disadvantage
Dependence of the entire network on one

central hub is a point of vulnerability for

this topology.
A failure of the central hub or failure of the

main data trunk cable, can cripple the

whole network.
With increase in size beyond a point, the

management becomes
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The End

Thank you

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