Network Topologies

The configuration of a communication network

What are network topologies?

In communication networks, a topology is a usually schematic description of the

arrangement of a network, including its nodes and connecting lines.
Why we use network topologies?

Network topology is used initially for planning the best way to design your
network to get maximum performance.
Types of Network Topologies

Mesh Topology

Star Topology

Bus Topology

Ring Topology

Tree Topology
Mesh Topology

Computers in mesh topologies are

connected directly to each other
with cables.
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 doesn’t
get affected.
Expansion and modification in
topology can be done without
disrupting other nodes.
Disadvantages
Connections not fully utilized.
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.
Star Topology

In a star topology all computers are

connected to a central device
known as hub or switch.
All the computers share data
through the Hub or Switch
Star Topology

Advantages Disadvantages
A new node can be easily If Hub or switch get faulty, all
connected to the existing network computer connected to it will be
by connecting it with unused port get affected.
of hub.
Traffic increased when computers
If there is fault in cable connected
with computer, only the particular are simultaneously sending data to
computer get affected. each other.
Less cables required than Mesh
Topology. That’s why it is
affordable by small organisations
also.
Bus Topology

In bus topology computers are

connected via a single cable known
as a Trunk or Backbone cable.
Trunk cable was then connected to
the branch cables which were
further connected to the PCs.
Bus Topology

Advantages Disadvantages
Uses less cables than star or mesh Main disadvantage is the difficulty
topology of troubleshooting it.
Don’t need any special device like Bus topology is not scalable. New
Hub or Switch. node attaching to network is not
easy.
Backbone cable become faulty all
computer connected to it get
affected.
Ring Topology

In ring topology all the nodes are

connected to each-other in such a way
that they make a closed loop.
Data travels around the network, in one
direction. Sending and receiving of data
takes place by the help of TOKEN.
Token Passing: 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.
Ring Topology
Advantages
Each node gets to send the data when it
receives an empty token. This helps to
reduces chances of collision.
All the traffics flows in one direction only
at a very high speed.
No need for network server to control the
connectivity between workstations.
Each computer has equal access to
resources.
Receiver and repeater boost the signal
and send it to the next node along with
the token and data.
Disadvantages
Each packet of data must pass
through all the computers between
source and destination. This makes it
slower.
If one workstation or port goes down,
the entire network gets affected
Difficult to add and remove devices
once the network has been set up.
Data sharing accomplished through
one direction only. It takes more
time to send or receive data.
Tree Topology

Integrates the characteristics of

star and bus topology.
In tree topology number of star
network connected using bus. The
backbone cable is called as Bus.
Tree Topology
Advantages
Expansion of Network is possible and
easy.
Networks divided into segments, that
can be easily maintained.
Error detection and correction is
easy.
Each segment is provided with
dedicated point-to-point wiring to
the central hub.
If one segment is damaged, other
segments are not affected.
Disadvantages
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.
Heavy traffic cause the network
and make it slow.
Created By,
Name: Muskan Garg
Class: XIIth (F)
Adm. No.:11152