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Understanding Network Topologies
Look up the seven types of Network Topologies shown below – Provide the definition and then explain the advantages and disadvantages of each
in your own words! DO NOT COPY AND PASTE! YOU WILL NEED TO BE ABLE TO EXPLAIN & IDENTIFY THESE IN YOUR QUIZ ON FRIDAY!
Network Topology
Definition
All the nodes are connected to
each-other in such a way that
they make a closed loop
Advantages
This type of network topology is
very organized. Each node gets to
send the data when it receives an
empty token. This helps to
reduces chances of collision. Also
in ring topology all the traffic flows
in only one direction at very high
speed.
Disadvantages
Each packet of data must pass
through all the computers
between source and destination.
This makes it slower than Star
topology and
if one workstation or port goes
down, the entire network gets
affected.
Each of the network node,
computer and other devices, are
interconnected with one another.
Every node not only sends its own
signals but also relays data from
other nodes
Data can be transmitted from
different devices simultaneously.
This topology can withstand high
traffic and even if one of the
components fails there is always
an alternative present. So data
transfer doesn’t get affected.
There are high chances of
redundancy in many of the
network connections and the
overall cost of this network is way
too high as compared to other
network topologies.
All the components of network are
connected to the central device
called “hub” which may be a hub,
a router or a switch
This gives far much better
performance, signals don’t
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.
Too much dependency on central
device has its own drawbacks. If it
fails whole network goes down
and the use of hub, a router or a
switch as central device increases
the overall cost of the network.
Network Topology
Definition
A fully connected network is
a communication network in
which each of the nodes is
connected to each other
Advantages
A fully connected network doesn't
need to use switching or
broadcasting which is one of its
advantages
In this type of topology, all the
nodes (computers as well as
servers) are connected to the
single cable by the help of
interface connectors
This is the simplest and cheapest
to install and extend, and is well
suited for temporary networks
with not many nodes. It is very
flexible as nodes can be attached
or detached without disturbing the
rest of the network.
A tree topology is essentially a
combination of bus topology and
star topology. The nodes of bus
topology are replaced with
standalone star topology networks
Extension of bus and star
topologies. Expansion of
nodes is possible and easy.
Easily managed and
maintained.
In local area networks where bus
Bus It is cost effective, its Cable
topology is used, each node is
required is little compared to other
connected to a single cable, by
network topology. Also it is used
the help of interface connectors.
in small networks.
This central cable is the backbone
of the network and is known as
the bus
Disadvantages
A large amount of cabling is
required, There is a high
likelihood of redundancy in
networks, and the overall cost of
the network is way too high in
comparison to the other network
topologies.
If the bus cable fails then the
whole network will fail. Also the
Performance of the network slows
down rapidly with more nodes or
heavy network traffic. The bus
cable has a limited length and
must be terminated properly at
both ends to prevent reflected
signals.
Heavily cabled. Costly. If more
nodes are added maintenance is
difficult.
Cables fails then whole network
fails, and if network traffic is
heavy or nodes are more the
performance of the network
decreases.