Network Topology

Hye, everyone. We are happened to meet again here.  How are you doing? 

So, today I am gonna share with you guys a few pieces of information about network topology. So, let's proceed!

Definition: The network topology defines the way in which computers, printers, and other devices are connected. A network topology describes the layout of the wire and devices as well as the path used in by data transmission. 

 We have 5 different network topology.

1. Bus Topology

2.Ring Topology

3.Star Topology

4.Mesh Topology

5.Hybrid Topology

In this discussion, I will only share about the first until the third topology because I am still doing my study on it.

1.Bus Topology.

Source: http://orangecomputer.in/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/bus.jpg

A host on a bus network is called a Station or workstation. In a bus network, every station will receive all network traffic, and the traffic generated by each station has equal transmission priority.^[3] A bus network forms a single network segment and collision domain. In order for nodes to transmit on the same bus simultaneously, they use a media access control technology such as carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) or a bus master.

If any link or segment of the bus is severed, all network transmission ceases due to signal bounce caused by the lack of a terminating

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bus_network

Advantages

• Very easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus
• Requires less cable length than a star topology resulting in lower costs
• It works well for small networks.
• It is easy to extend by joining cable with connector or repeater.

Disadvantages

• The entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable or one of the T connectors break.
• A large number of packet collisions on the network, which results in high amounts of packet loss.

2.Ring Topology

Source: http://www.kayshav.com//images/nwt/ringLAN.jpg

Definition: A ring network is a network topology in which each node connects to exactly two other nodes, forming a single continuous pathway for signals through each node - a ring. Data travels from node to node, with each node along the way handling every packet.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_network

Disadvantages

• One malfunctioning workstation can create problems for the entire network. This can be solved by using a dual ring or a switch that closes off the break.
• Moving, adding and changing the devices can affect the network
• Communication delay is directly proportional to the number of nodes in the network
• Bandwidth is shared on all links between devices
• More difficult to configure than a Star: node adjunction = Ring shutdown and reconfiguration

Advantages

• A very orderly network where every device has access to the token and the opportunity to transmit
• Performs better than a bus topology under heavy network load
• Does not require a central node to manage the connectivity between the computers
• Due to the point to point line configuration of devices with a device on either side (each device is connected to its immediate neighbor), it is quite easy to install and reconfigure since adding or removing a device requires moving just two connections.
• Point to point line configuration makes it easy to identify and isolate faults.
• Reconfiguration for line faults of bidirectional rings can be very fast, as switching happens at a high level, and thus the traffic does not require individual rerouting.

3. Star Topology.

• Token Ring

• Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)

• Arcnet

Data is transmitted in an unusual way on a ring topology, using tokens.

A token travels continuously around the ring stopping at each node in turn. Any node that wishes to transmit data must attach that data to the token. The token is then passed along by each node (including any attached data) until it reaches its intended destination, where it delivers the data. The token then continues on its way. Examples of networks that pass tokens are:-

(Arcnet is different - it passes tokens on a bus topology)

One major advantage of token rings is that there is no danger of data colliding since only one token, (with or without any attached data), ever travels around the ring.

Another advantage of ring networks is that they can span larger distances than other types of networks, such as bus networks because each node regenerates the signal as the token passes through.      

Disadvantages

• One malfunctioning workstation can create problems for the entire network. This can be solved by using a dual ring or a switch that closes off the break.
• Moving, adding and changing the devices can affect the network
• Communication delay is directly proportional to the number of nodes in the network
• Bandwidth is shared on all links between devices
• More difficult to configure than a Star: node adjunction = Ring shutdown and reconfiguration

Advantages

• A very orderly network where every device has access to the token and the opportunity to transmit
• Performs better than a bus topology under heavy network load
• Does not require a central node to manage the connectivity between the computers
• Due to the point to point line configuration of devices with a device on either side (each device is connected to its immediate neighbor), it is quite easy to install and reconfigure since adding or removing a device requires moving just two connections.
• Point to point line configuration makes it easy to identify and isolate faults.
• Reconfiguration for line faults of bidirectional rings can be very fast, as switching happens at a high level, and thus the traffic does not require individual rerouting.