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What are they?
What are they?
A network topology is a physical layout of a network. They way we connect our nodes with data links determines what kind of network we are running. There are several different types of network topologies, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. We will be covering 5 types of network topologies:
- Point-to-point
- Bus
- Star
- Ring
- Mesh
Point-to-Point
Point-to-Point
The most simple of all network topologies. Point-to-point networks a simply 2 nodes, one data link connecting them.
Bus Topology
Bus Topology
A bus topology is a network in which nodes are connected to a single linear data link.
Ring Topology
Ring Topology
A ring topology is a network in which each node is connected to exactly 2 other nodes forming a continuous path.
In addition, in a ring configuration, network communication always travels in the same direction, unless the configuration is a double ring, in which each ring passes network information in opposite directions.
Star Topology
Star Topology
In a star topology network a node is used as a central conduit to pass information between outer nodes. All data links run through the central node.
Mesh Topology
Mesh Topology
Mesh topologies use data links between every pairing of nodes. This means that for every new node added, there will have to be another (n-1) data links created in order for the mesh to be complete.
Review Work
Review Work
1. What is a terminator and what is it used for?
2. What is a token ring configuration? What is the token used for?
3. For most people, a star topology is the most familiar. Why is it so popular?
4. In a mesh topology with 5 devices, how many network interface cards (NIC) would each device need? For 10 devices? 20?
5. For each different type of network topology, list advantages and disadvantages.
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