Network Topologies

A topology is a way of laying out the

network
Physical topologies describe how
the cables are run in the network

Physical Topologies
Bus
Star
Ring
Mesh
Hybrid

Logical Technology
Logical technology describe how
the data or network messages
travel
Ethernet
Token Ring
FDDI

Bus Topology
In the bus topology, the network nodes
(computers, printers, and other devices
connected together to share information) are
connected to a common backbone cable

Bus Topology

Data is sent to all computers on the trunk. Each computer

examines EVERY packet on the wire to determine who the
packet is for and accepts only messages addressed to them.
good for a temporary, small (fewer than 10 people) network
Performance degrades as more computers are added to the bus
Bus is a passive topology .

Advantages of Bus
Topology
Works well for small networks
Inexpensive to implement on a small
scale
Requires less cable
Easy to add another workstation

Disadvantages of Bus Topology

Management costs often too high
Difficult to isolate a malfunctioning
node or cable segment and associated
connectors
Possible for defective node to take
down the entire network
Subject to congestion from network
traffic

Star Topology
The star topology is a network
configured with a central hub and
individual cable segments connected to
the hub, resembling the shape of a star.
A hub is a central device used in the
star topology that joins single cable
segments or individual LANs into one
network.

Star Topology

Hub

Advantages of Star
Topology
Easier to manage than a bus
Easier to locate node and cable
problems
Easier to expand than a bus or ring,
especially for enterprise networking
Well suited for expansion into highspeed networking
More equipment options

Disadvantages of Star Topology

Susceptible to a single point of failure
Requires more network cable at the
start than a bus

Ring Topology
A ring topology is a network in the
shape of a ring or circle, with
nodes connected around the ring.

Ring Topology

Ring

Ring Topology (LAN)

Redundant ring to
avoid network failure
Repeaters at each
component
Unidirectional
transmission links
Closed loop
Typically used
in FDDI networks

Advantages of Ring
Topology
Easier to manage than a bus
Easier to locate node and cable
problems
Good over long distances
Handles high-volume traffic well
Very reliable

Disadvantages of Ring Topology

Requires more network cable and
equipment at the start than a bus
Not as many equipment options
as for a bus
Not as widely used as the bus
topology

Hybrid (Bus-Star)

Hub

Hub

Mesh Environment
Every device interconnected
Most expensive
Most Fault tolerant
Cable fault tolerant
Device fault tolerant
The Internet is Mesh Topology

Mesh Topology
Figure 2-9