What is Topology or Network Topology?

The topology of a network defines how the nodes of a

network are connected. It is widely used in context to network
topologies related to the field of computers.
•There are two basic categories of network topologies:

1.Physical topology: defines how the nodes of the network

are physically connected .

2. Logical topology: How data is transmitted between

nodes (dedicated connections between certain selected
source-destination pairs using the underlying physical
topology.)
Shapes/Types of network topologies :

•Mesh
•Star
•Bus
•Ring
•Tree and Hybrid
Mesh Topology

A network setup where each computer and network

device is interconnected with one another, allowing for
most transmissions to be distributed, even if one of the
connections go down. This topology is not commonly
used for most computer networks as it is difficult and
expensive to have redundant connection to every
computer. However, this topology is commonly used for
wireless networks. Fault identification is also easy in this
type of topology. Below is a visual example of a simple
computer setup on a network using a mesh topology
Advantages

1.They use dedicated links so each link can only carry its
own data load. So traffic problem can be avoided.
2. It is robust. If any one link get damaged it cannot affect
others.
3. It gives privacy and security.(Message travels along a
dedicated link)
4. Fault identification and fault isolation are easy.
Disadvantages
1. The amount of cabling and the number of I/O ports
required are very large. Since every device is connected
to each devices through dedicated links.
2. The sheer bulk of wiring is larger then the available
space.
3. Hardware required to connected each device is highly
expensive.

Applications:
1.Telephone Regional office.
2. WAN.(Wide Area Network).
Star Topology - Here each device has a dedicated point-to-point
link to the central controller called “Hub”(Act as a Exchange).
There is no direct traffic between devices. • The transmission
are occurred only through the central “hub”.

It is named as star topology as it looks similar to a star

whereas all the elements of the network are primarily
connected to a central device. This central device is known
as hub and can be either of a hub, router or a switch. This
central hub also works as a repeater for data flow. All nodes
are connected to each other only by the assistance of this
central hub. Installation and wiring is easy of star topology.
Advantages

1.Less expensive than mesh since each device is connected

only to the hub.

2. Installation and configuration are easy.

3. Less cabling is need than mesh.

4. Robustness.(if one link fails, only that links is affected.

All other links remain active).

5. Easy to fault identification & to remove parts.

Disadvantages
1.Even it requires less cabling then mesh when compared
with other topologies it still large.(Ring or bus).
2. Dependency(whole dependent on one single
point(hub). When it goes down. The whole system is
dead.
Applications:
1.Star topology used in Local Area Networks(LANs).
2.High speed LAN often used STAR.
Problems
1.All communication pass through the central computer.
2.The communications in the network will stop if the host
computer stops functioning.
Bus Topology – It is defined by the use of a single main
cable which has terminators on both ends. All the other nodes
like workstations, peripherals, etc. are connected to this main
cable. This type of topology is widely implemented in LANs
as it is easy to install and does not cost much. It also does not
require much cabling as in the case of some other topologies
like star and mesh. The main disadvantage of this topology is
that the entire network is dependent on the main cable. In
case some problem occurs in the main cable, the whole
system gets affected.
Advantages

1.Ease of installation.
2. Less cabling.
3. less expensive.
Disadvantages
1.Difficult reconfiguration and fault isolation.
2. Difficult to add new devices.
3. Signal reflection at top can degradation in quality.
4. If any fault in backbone can stops all transmission.

Problem:
The main disadvantage is bad connection to the cable
can bring down the entire network. Another problem:
collision occurs when 2 nodes send messages
simultaneously.
Ring Topology – It is in a shape similar to a ring, in which
every node is connected to only two neighbors. The
messages move in only one and the same direction in this
arrangement. In case any cable or device breaks away from
the loop, then it can be a fatal problem for the entire
network. Token ring technology is used to implement this
type of topology. It can be used for handling high volume of
data. All devices are given the same importance in this
topology. In case the capacity is increased beyond its
comfortable limit then the network starts to compromise on
speed.
 Advantages:
1.Easy to install.
2. Easy to reconfigure.
3. Fault identification is easy.
Disadvantages:

1. Unidirectional traffic.
2. Break in a single ring can break entire network.

Applications:
1. Ring topologies are found in some office buildings or
school campuses.

2.Today high speed LANs made this topology less

popular.
Tree Topology – It is also known as the hierarchical topology. It
can be considered as the combination of linear bus and star
topologies as it contains systems with star topology connected
to a linear bus main cable. There is dependency on the main
linear bus line, and therefore any fault in this line can bring the
entire segment down. However, this type of arrangement is
supported by many hardware and software tenders. This
topology is also known as expanded star topology. The
configuration and wiring is difficult in comparison to other
topologies. However, its point to point wiring for individual
sections is a desirable feature of this topology.
Hybrid Topology – It refers to the arrangement which is
basically a combination of any two or more different types of
network topologies. This arrangement is known for its flexibility
and reliability. It tends to be little expensive. It depends upon
the requirements of the organization, according to which the
topologies are selected for creating a hybrid one. Star-bus and
star-ring are two popular hybrid combinations. Corporate
offices usually use this topology to link internal LANs while
connecting external networks via WANs.
- A network which contain all type of physical structure and
connected under a single backbone channel.
Considerations in choosing Topology
 Money-Bus now may be the least expensive way to install a
now.

 Length-of cable needed- the linear bus n/w uses shorter

lengths of cable.

 Future growth-with star topology, expending a n/w is easily

done by adding another devices.

 Cable type-most common used cable in commercial

organization is twisted pair. Which often used with star
topologies.
Project Network Topology
1.Full mesh topology is theoretically the best since every
device is connected to every other device.(thus maximizing
speed and security. however, it quite expensive to install)

2. Next best would be tree topology , which is basically a

connection of star.
Why Topology is Important?
 Design Efficient Protocols
 Solve Internetworking Problems: - routing - resource
reservation - administration
 Create Accurate Model for Simulation
 Derive Estimates for Topological Parameters
 Study Fault Tolerance and Anti-Attack Properties