Network Topologies

what are the five main types of network topologies?

Bus

Ring

Star

Hybrid

Mesh

describe a bus topology

• uses central cable called bus

• all devices attached to bus

• data travels along it in both directions

• terminators at both ends

advantages of bus topology

• simple install - easy to set up

• cost effective - requires less cable

disadvantages of bus topology

• slows down with more devices - too many cause congestion or network slowdowns

• complex troubleshooting

• network interference - if main cable fails, whole network stops working

describe a ring topology

each device is connected forming ring where data travels in one direction until it reaches its destination

advantages of ring topology

• no data collisions

• simple install

• better network management

• cost effective

disadvantages of ring topology

• slow data transfer

• complex troubleshooting

• one broken connection can bring down whole network

describe a star topology

connection where all devices are linked to central hub which manages communication

advantages of star topology

• low error chance - if one computer fails, network keeps working

• efficient speed

• easy troubleshooting

• reliability

disadvantages of star topology

• central hub failure

• expensive installation - more cables needed

describe a hybrid topology

combination of two or more different network topologies to increase performance

advantages of hybrid topology

• flexible - able to add or take out nodes flexibly

• reliable

• handles traffic well

disadvantages of hybrid topology

• high-cost install

• complex maintenance

• complex design

describe 2 types of mesh topology

FULL:

every device directly connected to every other device

PARTIAL:

some devices are connected to others, but not all

advantages of mesh topology

• reliable - if one connection fails, data can take alternate route

• less interconnected damage

• efficient speed

disadvantages of mesh topology

• high-cost install

• complex network management

• difficult to maintain

factors that affect choice of network topology

CIFS SET

Cost (budget for setup and maintenance)

Installation (ease of setup)

Fault Tolerance & Reliability (how well handles failures)

Scalabilty (ability to expand)

Speed and Performance (how fast data travels)

Ease of Troubleshooting & Maintenance (how easy to fix issues)

Type of Organisation (small office, large company, etc.)