Network topology

what is network topology?
A network topology is the arrangement of a network.

type of network topology

1. logical topology is how devices appear connected to the user.
2. Physical topology is how they are actually interconnected with wires and cables.

There are 6 topology :

1. Point to point topology 
2. Bus topology
3. Star topology
4. Ring topology
5. Mesh topology
6. Tree topology 

Point to point topology

• is a simplest topology is a point to point communications channel that appears. 

Advantage 

• Low cost 
• Easy to management 

Disadvantage 

• Maximum 2 computer can be connected 
• Cable breaks will affect to the whole network.

Bus topology 

• Bus topology is a network setup in which each computer and network device are connected to a single cable or backbone.

Advantage 

• it is easy to set up, handle, and implement.
• it costs very less

Disadvantage 

•   Failure of the shared communication line can make all other devices stop functioning
•  All devices share single communication line or cable. 

Star topology

•    All hosts in star topology are connected to a central device, known as hub device, using a point to point connection.
•     That is, there exists a point to point connection between hosts and hub.

Advantage 

• Easy network management 
• installation of star networks is easier 

Disadvantage 

• The costs more expensive 
• they requires more cable 

Ring topology

• A ring topology is a network configuration in which device connections create a circular data path. Each networked device is connected to two others, like points on a circle.

Advantage 

• Easy to install
• Easy to reconfigure 

Disadvantage 

• It is difficult to troubleshoot the ring 
• Total dependence upon the one cable 

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. 

Advantage 

• No traffic problem 
• Troubleshooting of this topology is easy as compared with other networks.

Disadvantage 

• Cabling cost is high.
• It is difficult to install

There are two type of mesh:

• ·         Full mesh – all can use computer connections
• ·         Partial mesh – not all computer have point to pint connections 

Tree topology 

• known as hierarchical topology
• the most common form of network topology

Tree layer for tree topology

•          Core layer
•          Distribution layer
•          Access layer 

Advantage 

• if one segment is damaged, other segment are not affected.
• networks divided into segments, that can be easily maintained. 

Disadvantage 

• If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down.
• more difficult to configure and wire than other topology