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a linear bus topology consists of a main run of cable with a terminator at each end (see
fig. 1). all nodes(file server, workstations, and peripherals) are connected to the linear
cable. ethernet networks use a linear bus topology.
in this topology network messages are sent to each terminal on the network - so if one of
the ter minals breaks then the others are not affected. if you want to send a message from
computer a to computer b then all the computers will receive the message, however
because you have included computer b's address, only computer b will pick it up and
display it.
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a cable break can disable the entire network; no redundancy
star topology
a star topology is designed with each node (file server, workstations, and peripherals)
connected directly to a central network hub.
data on a star network passes through the hub or concentrator before continuing to its
destination. the hub manages and controls all functions of the network. it also acts as a
repeater for the data flow. this configuration is common with twisted pair cable ; however,
it can also be used with coaxial cable or fiber optic cable .
2
can be upgraded to faster speeds
more expensive than linear bus topologies because of the cost of the hub.
more cable required
ring topology
a ring topologyconsists of a set of stations connected serially by cable. in other words,
it’s a circle or ring of computers. there are no terminated ends to the cable; the signal
travels around the circle in a clockwise direction. note that while this topology functions
logically as ring, it is physically wired as a star. each station on the ring has equal access
but only one station can talk at a time.
in contrast to the ‘passive’ topology of the bus, the ring employs an ‘ active topology.
’ station.
each station repeats or ’boosts’ the signal before passing it on to the next
3
all stations have equal access
no collisions
complex
mesh topology
a type of network setup where each of the computers and network devices are
interconnected with one another, allowing for most transmissions to be distributed, even
if one of the connections go down. this type of topology is not commonly used for most
computer networks as it is difficult and expensive to have redundant connection to ever y
computer. however, this type of topology is commonly used for wireless networks. below
is a visual example of a simple computer setup on a network using a mesh topology.
4
not common on lans
advantages
improves fault tolerance
if any cable fails, there are many other ways for two nodes to communicate
that communication can take place directly between any two nodes without an
intermediary
disadvantages
expensive
difficult to install
difficult to manage
difficult to troubleshoot