Network topologies

By: Anam jabeen

DEFINITION

• What is a Topology ?

• The physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables, computers and other peripherals.

Types of Topologies

• Bus topology

• Ring topology

• Star topology

• Mesh topology

• Tree topology

• Hybrid topology

Bus Topology

• Popular on LANs because they are inexpensive and easy to install.

• Consists of a main run of cable with a terminator at each end

• All computers and devices connected to central cable or bus.

Bus topology

Ring Topology

• Primarily is used for LANs, but also is used in WANs.

• Data travels from device to device around entire ring, in one direction.

• Cable forms closed ring or loop, with all computers and devices arranged along ring.

Ring Topology

Star Topology

All devices connect to a

central device, called

hub.

All data transferred

from one computer to

another passes through

hub.

Star Topology

Mesh Topology

• A network setup where each computer and network device is interconnected with one another.

• This topology is not commonly used for most computer networks as it is difficult and expensive.

Mesh Topology

Tree topology

• A tree topology combines the characteristics of bus and star topologies.

• It consists of different groups of computers attached in star topology.

• The groups are then connected to a bus backbone cable.

• Tree topology is used for the expansion of an existing network.

Tree topology

Hybrid Topology

• A combination of two or more different topologies makes a hybrid topology.

• One of the prominent advantages of this topology is its flexibility

• Since different topologies come together in a hybrid topology, managing the topology becomes difficult.

• It is also very expensive to maintain.

Hybrid Topology