Network Topologies

Aman Khan
Email: {aman.k7865321@gmail.com}
Supervisor: , {Muddasar }
Project Report for Data Communication
University of Wah

1. Abstract 4. Solution and Analysis

So for the network topology, we have the bus, star, ring
This paper evaluates and analyzes the basic types
and mesh topology.
of network topologies which include the bus, star,
ring and mesh topology. This article furthermore
(a) Bus Topology
discusses each topology's advantages and
In this type of topology, a single network cable runs in
disadvantages when used. A summary of analysis
the building or campus called the bus or backbone [2].
was also made in a tabular form in order to
Each device can be simply connected to the backbone
condense and make it easier to understand things.
After that, the paper discusses different situations
where a certain topology can be utilized.

2. Introduction
Nowadays, wireless connections are already utilized but
it does mean that everyone is using this. There are still
business entities that could not afford to use this type of
systems and so they prefer to use the wired connections.
Wired connections include the Local Area Network. This is (a.1) Advantages
a computer network that interconnects devices within a This type of topology is reliable in very small
limited area such as a residence, school, laboratory, networks and it is easy to use and understand.
university campus or office building. This also requires the least amount of cables to
connect the computers together and it’s easy to
extend.
3. Background (a.2) Disadvantages
Because of the fact that any computer in the
Examples of network topologies are found in local
network can transmit data at any time,network
area networks (LAN), a common computer network
traffic can slow down a bus. Also, each
installation. Any given node in the LAN has one or
connection between two cables can deteriorate
more physical links to other devices in the network;
the electrical signal. In this type of topology,
graphically mapping these links results in a geometric
the bus configuration can be difficult to find
shape that can be used to describe the physical topology
and can cause the whole network to stop
of the network. A wide variety of physical topologies
working.
have been used in LANs, including ring, bus, mesh and
(b) Star Topology
star. Conversely, mapping the data flow between the
components determines the logical topology of the In this type of topology, each of the devices on
network. In comparison, Controller Area Networks, a network connects to a central hub.This hub
common in vehicles, are primarily distributed control acts as a conduit to transmit messages.
system networks of one or more controllers
interconnected with sensors and actuators over,
invariably, a physical bus topology.
 whole network and it is difficult to find fault in the
network. The whole system is disrupted when computers
are being added or replaced in the network. This is much
slower than an Ethernet network under normal load.
(d) Mesh Topology
In a mesh topology each device is capable of connecting
to any of the devices inside the network.

(b.1) Advantages
In a star topology, if one of the computers fails, it does
not affect the others and this also contributes to its good
performance. The center of a star network is a good place
to diagnose network faults and if one computer fails, the
whole network is not disturbed. Replacement or removal
of devices can be easily done.
(b.2) Disadvantages
This type of topology is expensive to install as it requires (d.1)Advantages
more cable, it costs more for all network cables must be This type of topology yields the greatest amount of
pulled to one central point. This requires more cable redundancy in the event that one of the nodes fails where
length than other types of networking topologies. Since network traffic can be redirected to another node. This is
the network depends upon the hub, or the central node, if a good system when it comes to privacy because each
it fails to operate, then the whole network also fails to computer can interact with each other anytime without
operate. the knowledge of the parties that are not involved in the
(c) Ring Topology conversation. Here, the network problems are easier to
In a ring topology all of the nodes or devices are diagnose.
connected to the devices on each of their side.
(d.2)Disadvantages
The amount of cable requirement is very high and costly
and large numbers of input/output ports are required.

Evaluation and Comparison

Now that we already have finished discussing the four
topologies, let’s now summarize these things into a table
[3]. Table 1 shows the basic analysis derived from the
topics above.

(c.1) Advantages
In this type of topology, the ring network offers high
performance for a small number of workstations or for
larger networks where each station has a similar
workload. The ring networks can also span longer
distances compared to other types of networks and these
are also easily extendable. Unlike a bus topology, there is
no signal loss in Ring topology because the tokens are
data packets that are re-generated at each node. .
(c.2) Disadvantages
This type of topology costs much money, time and effort
for its installation. If one computer fails, it can affect the
 5. Conclusions
The selection of LAN Network topology would
depend on many considerations upon the business
situation but the cost benefit principle must always be
applied when deciding things regarding the business.
These types of networks may seem traditional but it can
surely be utilized for microenterprises, other business
levels can also use it depending on their discretion. The
modernization of technology may not be that applicable
to all because many constraints may be considered such
as budgets and ability to adapt technology. Overall, the
researcher suggests further analysis of your business
situation before deciding what topology to use. But in
case that your first attempt may not be that effective,
there is always another chance to improve it. Before
having a stable system, it is natural that we may be in a
trial and error method first.
References
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(2007), p. 5.
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network topologies”, International
[6] Research Journal of Engineering and Technology vol. 2,
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[7] 4. Pandya, K.: “Network Structure Theory”,
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Computer Science and Management Studies, vol. 1, no.
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