Network topologies

Local Area Network (LAN)

A computer network that connects devices within a limited area, such as a home, office, or campus.

Bus Topology

All devices are connected to a single cable, forming a linear network. Advantages:Easy to install and cost-effective. Disadvantages:Limited scalability and potential for collisions.

Star Topology

All devices are connected to a central hub or switch. Advantages:Easy to add or remove devices without affecting the network. Disadvantages:Dependent on the central hub and requires more cabling.

Ring Topology

Devices are connected in a circular manner, forming a closed loop. Advantages:Equal access to network resources and no collisions. Disadvantages:Failure of a single device or cable can disrupt the entire network.

Switched Topology

Devices are connected to a central switch, which manages data flow. Advantages:Efficient data transmission and no collisions. Disadvantages:Costlier due to the need for switches and failure of the central switch affects the entire network.

Daisy Chain Topology

Devices are connected in a linear manner, one after another. Advantages:Simple and easy to implement. Disadvantages:If any device or cable fails, the entire network is affected and limited scalability.

Hierarchy Topology

Combination of different topologies, typically a mix of star and bus or star and ring. Advantages:Provides flexibility and scalability. Disadvantages:Complex to design and implement and requires more cabling and additional hardware.

Wide Area Networks (WAN)

A computer network that spans a large geographical area, connecting multiple local area networks (LANs) or other WANs.

Peer-to-Peer Topology

Each node in the network can act as both a client and a server. Offers high scalability and fault tolerance.

Ring WAN Topology

Nodes are connected in a circular manner, forming a ring. Offers simplicity and equal access to all nodes.

Star Topology

Consists of a central node connected to multiple peripheral nodes. Offers easy management and fault isolation.

Full-Mesh Topology

Each node is directly connected to every other node in the network. Offers high redundancy and fault tolerance.

Partial Mesh Topology

Only a subset of nodes are directly connected to each other. Offers a balance between cost and redundancy.

Two-Tiered Topology

Consists of access layer and distribution layer. Offers scalability, flexibility, and centralized management.

Hybrid WAN Topology

Combines multiple topologies to meet specific requirements. Offers flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

Advantages of WAN

Geographical flexibility, resource sharing, centralized management, and scalability.

Disadvantages of WAN

Cost, complexity, reliability, and security vulnerabilities.