What are the types of Network Topology??

Topology defines the structure of the network of how all the components are interconnected to each other. Network topology can be used to define or describe the arrangement of various types of telecommunication networks, including command and control radio networks, industrial field busses and computer networks.

Types of Network Topology

1. Mesh Topology
2. Star Topology
3. Bus Topology
4. Ring Topology
5. Tree Topology

Mesh Topology

In a mesh topology there is no central connection point. Instead, each node is connected to at least one other node and usually to more than one. Each node is capable of sending messages to and receiving messages from other nodes. The nodes act as relays, passing on a message towards its final destination.

Advantages

• Messages can be received more quickly if the route to the intended recipient is short.
• Messages should always get through as they have many possible routes on which to travel.
• You can move a lot of data around the network if the mesh is operating properly.
• It is relatively power efficient, and thus allows for decent battery life.
• There are plenty of low-cost mesh radio hardware out there, like ZigBee.
• There is less of a connection setup delay with mesh networks.
• Multiple connections mean (in theory) that no node should be isolated.
• Multiple connections mean each node can transmit to and receive from more than one node at the same time.
• New nodes can be added without interruption or interfering with other nodes.

Disadvantages

• Full mesh networks can be impractical to set up because of the high number of connections needed
• Many connections require a lot of maintenance

Star Topology

Star Topology is one of the most common network setups. In this configuration, every node connects to a central network device, like a hub, switch, or computer. The central network device acts as a server and the peripheral devices act as clients. 

Advantages

• Reliable – if one cable or device fails then all the others will still work
• It is high-performing as no data collisions can occur
• Less expensive because each device only need one I/O port and wishes to be connected with hub with one link.
• Easier to put in
• Robust in nature
• Easy fault detection because the link are often easily identified.
• No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices.
• Each device requires just one port i.e. to attach to the hub.
• If N devices are connected to every other in star, then the amount of cables required to attach them is N. So, it’s easy to line up.

Disadvantages

• Central Point of Failure
• Significant amount of cables

Bus Topology

A bus topology is a topology for a Local Area Network (LAN) in which all the nodes are connected to a single cable. The cable to which the nodes connect is called a “backbone”. If the backbone is broken, the entire segment fails. The bus topology is e.g. used by Ethernet networks.

Advantages

• Low-cost cable
• Moderate data speeds
• Familiar technology
• Limited failure

Disadvantages

• Extensive cabling
• Difficult troubleshooting
• Signal interference
• Reconfiguration difficult
• Attenuation

Ring Topology

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.

Advantages

• Cost
• Network Management
• Product Availability
• Reliable
• Loop forming

Disadvantages

• Difficult troubleshooting
• Failure
• Reconfiguration difficult
• Delay

Tree Topology

A tree topology is a special type of structure where many connected elements are arranged like the branches of a tree.

For example, tree topologies are frequently used to organize the computers in a corporate network, or the information in a database.

Advantages

• Support for broadband transmission
• Easily expandable
• Easily manageable
• Error detection
• Limited failure
• Point-to-point wiring

Disadvantages

• Difficult troubleshooting
• High cost
• Failure
• Reconfiguration difficult

Summary

The ideal network topology depends on each business’s size, scale, goals, and budget. A network topology diagram helps visualize the communicating devices, which are modeled as nodes, and the connections between the devices, which are modeled as links between the nodes.

‍

Share this post: on Twitter on Facebook on Google+