Network Topology

• A network is the way computer system or network or equipment connected to

each other physically or logically.
• Physical Topology :It refers to placement of networks various components, device
location, cable installation.
• Logical Topology : It refers to data flow within the network graphically mapping
these links in geometric shape.
 Types of Topologies

Ring Star Bus Mesh Tree

Topology Topology Topology Topology Topology
Ring topology
• In ring topology the nodes are
connected in the shape of a closed ring
so that each device is connected to two
other, one on either side.
• The ring works well where there is no
central-site computer system
• It is more reliable than a star network.
• The ring network requires more
complicated control software.
• Failure of one node results in the
failure of entire network.
Star Topology
• In star topology all the nodes are connected
to a central system called switch, which
forwards the data towards its final
destination. The switch controls the
communication on the network.
• It has minimal line cost and if any of the
local computer fails, the remaining remains
unaffected.
• The system crucially depends on the central
switch.
• If the central switch fails the entire network
goes down.
Bus Topology
•In a bus topology all the nodes are
connected to a central cable called
bus. A bus is a single continuous
cable. Transmission from any node
travels the length of the bus in both
direction and can be received by all
other nodes. The bus has terminator
at either ends which absorbs the
signal, removing it from the bus
•It is quite easy to set up, Failure of
one node does not effect the rest of
the network.
•It offers limited flexibility for
change.
•A signal on the bus must be strong
enough to reach the receiver.
Mesh topology

• A host is connected to one or more then 2 hosts.

• Fully connected network : all hosts have a point
to point connection to every other host in the
network.
•Partially connected network : not all host have
point to point connection to every other host.
•Data can be transmitted from different devices
simultaneously , even if one node fail there is
always an alternate present. So data transfer
doesn’t get affected.
•There are high chances
Tree topology
• It divides thenetwork in to multiple levels of
network. Mainly in LAN network is bifurcated into
3 types :
1) Highest layer is core layer.
2) Middle layer is distributive layer.
3) Lowest layer is access layer.
• It is scalable secondary nodes allow more
devices to be connected to a central node.
• Point to point connection of device, Having
different levels of the network makes it more
manageable hence easier fault identification
and isolation.
• Maintenance of the network may be an issue
when the network spans a great area.
• Since it is a variation of bus topology, if the
backbone fails, the entire network cripples.