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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
In this form of network topology, all
nodes are connected together to make
a closed loop. Each device
communicates with the two adjacent
devices, and data travels around the
network in one direction.
Advantages
Data traffic is very organized and
only flows one way.
No need for a network server to
control connectivity.
Each computer has equal access to
resources.
A few nodes are interconnected while Reduces network redundancy.
the rest are connected between one or
two other nodes. This causes some
If the network fails there is still an
devices to be indirectly connected.
alternate path for it to flow.
Disadvantages
If one workstation goes down the
entire network is affected.
Each packet of data must pass
through all the computers, creating a
slow process.
Can become costly if the network has
many devices.
Set-up and maintenance of this
network is complex.
Expansion is possible without
disrupting the network.
In this form of network topology all
components are connected to a
central device called a hub.
New nodes can easily be added.
Failure of one node does not
compromise the entire network.
Shorter process compared to the ring
network topology.
If the hub fails the entire network
goes down.
Performance is solely dependent on
the capacity of the hub.
Network Topology
Definition
In this form of network topology, all
nodes are interconnected to each
other.
Advantages
Can handle heavy traffic efficiency.
If one node fails the network isn’t
compromised.
Disadvantages
High cost.
Extensive use of cables is required.
Likelihood of network redundancies.
In this form, each node is connected
by a central cable, resulting in a start
and endpoint.
Expansion and modification can be
made without affecting the network.
Cheap to implement.
Very simple to setup/maintain.
If the cable or node fails, so does the
network.
Cannot handle high traffic.
This is a combination of the bus and
star network topology. The network
starts at a hub, and then connects the
other devices using cable, like the
ones found in a bus network.
Easy expansion of the network.
Error detection and the
implementation of solutions is easy.
If one segment is damaged, the entire
network does not fail.
As more nodes are added,
maintenance becomes difficult.
This form is similar to the line
network topology, but there are more
endpoints, and branches are added to
the cable.
Simple to implement and maintain.
If the cable fails, so does the network.
Very Cheap.
Cannot handle high traffic.
Nodes share a common transition
medium.
Requires extensive use of cabling.
Scalability of the network depends on
the cable.