Network Topologies

SvS- Operation Achilles

**network topology**

The description of the arrangement of nodes (e.g. networking switches and routers) and connections in a network, often represented as a graph.

logical network topology

A conceptual representation of how devices operate at particular layers of abstraction.

physical topology

Displays how devices are physically connected.

network topology map

a representation of a physical network layout of connected devices that can include details about each node or device connected

Bus Topology

Simple layout and cheap but vulnerable to failure and only suitable for low traffic volumes.

Ring Topology

Easy to manage and with a low risk of collision but reliant on all nodes being powered up and in full working order.

Star Topology

All devices are connected to a central switch.

Mesh Topology

Each node is connected to every other mode with a direct link.

Hybrid Topology

Combines two or more of the standard topologies

LAN

Local Area Network

Contained in one office or building
Organizations often have several LANS

WAN

Wide Area Networks

Two or more LANs connected
Over a large geographic area
Typically use public or leased lines
Phone lines
Satellite
The Internet is a WAN

CAN

Campus Area Networks

A LAN in one large geographic area

Resources related to the same organization (PPS has one of these)

Each department shares the LAN

PAN

Personal Area Network

Very small scale network Range is less than 2 meters

Cell phones (e.g. AirDrop, wireless headphones) usually bluetooth

Client/Server network

Nodes and servers share data roles
Nodes are called clients
Servers are used to control access

This is like you ‘logging in’ to the PPS network at school

Peer to peer networks

All nodes are equal Nodes access resources on other nodes

Each node controls its own resources

Most modern OS allow P2PN (warpinator, LAN games)

Distributing computing is possible

Server based network

Servers control what the node accesses
Users gain access by logging in
Server is the most important computer

Hubs

Layer 1-

All nodes receive transmitted packets

Network interface cards

Layer 2-

Connects node to the media

Unique Machine/Media Access Code (MAC)

Switches

Layer 2-

Only intended node receives transmission

Bridge

Layer 2-

Connects two or more LANs together

Segments the network on MAC addresses

Router

Layer 3-

Connects two or more LANs together

Segments the network on IP addresses

Connect internal networks to the Internet

Gateway

Connects two dissimilar networks

Connects coax to twisted pair

Modem

Modulator-Demodulator is a device that modulates an analog carrier signal to encode digital information