Network Topology
Network topology is the representation of a network structure consisting of several nodes, the sender and receiver nodes, and the lines connecting these nodes.
Let’s take a look at the various types of network topologies.
- BUS Topology
- Ring Topology
- STAR Topology
- MESH Topology
- TREE Topology
- HYBRID Topology
1. BUS Topology:
In Bus Topology, Every computer and network devices are connected through a single cable that also transmits the data in one direction. This type of network is also called linear bus topology because it has only two endpoints.
In Bus Topology, every computer and network devices are connected through a single cable that also transmits the data in one direction. This type of network is also called linear bus topology since it has only two endpoints.
Bust topology is cost-effective and fewer cables are required. But the problem in this network topology is if the cable is failed the whole network system fails. Furthermore, if it has heavy network traffic or more nodes, the performance of the network decreases. This topology is most proper for small networks.
2. RING Topology:
In a ring topology, each device has exactly two neighbours because the node of one computer connects with the other computer and the signal can circle within the network to find its receiver. This network uses repeaters to prevent data losses. Excessive congestion or the addition of more nodes does not affect the transmission network, because only nodes with tokens can transmit. This network is cheaper to install and expand. But this ring topology has difficulties in troubleshooting and the failure of one computer will affect the whole network.
3.STAR Topology:
In STAR topology, all the computers are connected by a hub(central node) through cables. Therefore, all the node has own connection to the hub and hub acts as a repeater for data flow. This topology has fast performance and easy to troubleshoot, Setup and modify. Furthermore, the Hub upgrades are easy, and fail of one computer does not affect to failure of the entire network. Consuming of high installation costs is the main disadvantage of this topology. If the hub fails, the entire network is stopped because the whole network depends on the hub.
4.MESH Topology
In MESH topology has a point-to-point connection and each devices or nodes are connected to each other. To transfer the data this use two techniques.
a). Routing — When routing, nodes have a routing logic based on network requirements. This has routing logic to direct data to reach a destination using short distances or manipulate logic to leave nodes that contain information about broken links. We can have a routing logic to reset failed nodes also.
b). Flooding — In Flooding, routing logic is not required because the same data is transmitted to all network nodes. The network is strong and the risk of data loss is very low. But it also leads to unnecessary loading across the network.
The advantages of mesh topology are high security and privacy, faults can identify easily, and each connection carries its data load.
This topology uses more cables, therefore, the cost for cables is high and installation and configuration are difficult. And this network required bulk wiring also.
5. TREE Topology
In TREE topology has a root node and all other nodes are connected with the root node. This looks like a hierarchy and therefore it is also called a hierarchical topology. In this topology, nodes are inherited to several levels and the network should have at least three levels. This network is mostly used in wide area networks. Main advantages are efficiency of maintaining and managing the network, simplicity of detecting errors in the network, and expansion of nodes is possible and easy.
But this topology is costly and Heavily cabled. Another disadvantage of TREE topology is, when adding more cables, maintenance is difficult.
5. HYBRID Topology
A HYBRID topology is a combination of two or more topologies. As an example, in an office ‘Department A’ uses STAR topology and ‘Department B’ uses RING topology. Then connecting these two topologies will result in HYBRID Topology (STAR topology and RING topology). This topology inherits both advantages and disadvantages. In HYBRID topology, Error detecting, troubleshooting is easy and flexible than other topologies. And it’s effective and the size of the network can easily increase. As a disadvantage, cost and design complexity are high compared to other topologies.
Which Topology can I select?
There are a number of factors you should consider when choosing which topology to use. Before choosing a topography, you should carefully consider the following criteria:
- Length of cable needed
- Cost
- Scalability
- Cable type
At first, you need to consider the length of cable needed to service all the network devices. The BUS topology is lighter based on cable requirements. In this sense, this is the simplest topology to install the cables.
The second factor you must need to consider is the installation cost of topology. If the topology is more complex, the more you’ll need to pay for resources and time to create that setup.
The other factor you need to consider is the scale. If you plan to upgrade your network infrastructure in the future, you need to make sure you have an easy network to add devices to. STAR Topology is best for this because you can add network nodes with minimal interruption.
The final factor you need to consider is the type of cable you are going to use. Cable types range from twisted pairs to coaxial cables and fibre optic cables.
In this article, I hope you get a brief idea about the network topologies and their advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, I discussed the most suitable topologies based on user needs.
Thank you for reading my article.
