Network cable

A network cable is a physical medium that carries data signals between devices on a network. There are
different types of network cables, such as coaxial cable, twisted pair cable, fiber optic cable, etc. Each
type has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of speed, distance, interference, cost, etc.

Gateways
Gateways are devices that act as the middleman between two networks. It converts data formats and
protocols. It is essential for:

●​ Setting communication between two networks that are not compatible with each other.
●​ Translating data so that it can be transmitted quickly.
●​ Supporting hybrid network setups.​
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Feature Router Gateway

Connects Same type of Different type of

networks networks

Protocol No Yes
conversion

Complexity Simple Complex

Topology Concept
Network topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of computers and networking devices in a
network. ​
The term physical topology refers to the way in which a network is laid out physically. Two or more
devices connect to a link; two or more links form a topology. The topology of a network is the geometric
representation of the relationship of all the links and linking devices (usually called nodes) to one another.
There are four basic topologies possible: mesh, star, bus, and ring​
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BUS TOPOLOGY​
​ Bus topology carries transmitted data through the cable because data reaches each node, the node
checks the destination address (MAC/IP address) to determine if it matches their address. If the address
does not match with the node, the node does nothing more. But if the addresses of nodes match to
addresses contained within the data then they process knowledge. In the bus, communication between
nodes is done through a foremost network cable. ​
Advantages of Bus Topology
●​ If N devices are connected to each other in a bus topology, then the number of cables required
to connect them is 1, known as backbone cable, and N drop lines are required.
●​ Coaxial or twisted pair cables are mainly used in bus-based networks that support up to 10
Mbps.
●​ The cost of the cable is less compared to other topologies, but it is used to build small
networks.

Disadvantages
●​ Backbone failure stops the entire network
●​ Performance decreases with more devices​
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Terminator: A terminator is a device placed at both ends of the backbone cable in a bus topology to stop
data signals. A terminator absorbs the signal and prevents it from reflecting back along the cable.

MESH TOPOLOGY
Mesh Topology is a network configuration where every device is interconnected with every other device,
providing multiple routes for data to travel. The nodes are connected to each other completely via a
dedicated link during which information travels from nodes to nodes. If a mesh network has N nodes, then
there are N(N-1)/2 links. Each computer not only sends its signals but also transfers data from other
computers. The connections within the mesh are often wired or wireless.
There are Two types of Mesh Topology: Partial mesh Topology and Full Mesh topology.
Full Mesh Topology

All the nodes within the network are connected with each other If there are n number of nodes during a
network, each node will have an n-1 number of connections. A full mesh provides an excellent deal of
redundancy, but because it is expensive to implement, it's usually reserved for network backbones. The
total number of links required for the mesh topology is [n(n-1)]/2.​

Partial Mesh Topology​

The partial mesh is more practical as compared to the full mesh. In a partially connected mesh, all the
nodes aren't necessary to be connected with one another during a network. Peripheral networks are
connected using partial mesh topology.​
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Applications of Mesh Topology​
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Below mentioned are some of the applications of Mesh Topology:​
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Wireless Networks: Many homes and small office spaces use Mesh Wifi System for better internet
coverage and connectivity.​
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Industrial and Manufacturing Networks: Many industries use mesh topology to control machinery,
ensuring better productivity.​
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Smart Homes: Some advanced homes also use mesh topology for connecting home appliances like smart
lights, security systems, etc.​
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Military Communication: Mesh Topology is used in Military Purposes as if one connection fails, then
there is always a chance of another connection.

Advantages of Mesh Topology

●​ In case of failure of a single device, the entire network didn't break.
●​ There is no traffic problem as there is a dedicated point to point links for every device.
●​ Mesh Topology provides high privacy and security.
●​ Data transmission is more consistent because failure doesn’t disrupt its processes.
●​ Adding new devices won’t disrupt transmission of data.

Disadvantages of Mesh Topology

●​ Mesh Topology is costly as compared to the other network topologies i.e. star, bus, point to point
topology.
●​ Installation of nodes is difficult in mesh topology.
●​ Power requirement is higher as all the nodes will need to remain active all the time and share the
load.
●​ Each node requires an extra utility cost.
●​ More maintenance is required in mesh topology.

RING TOPOLOGY
In a ring topology, it forms a ring connecting devices with exactly two neighboring devices. A number of
repeaters are used for ring topology with a large number of nodes, because if someone wants to send some
data to the last node in the ring topology with 100 nodes, then the data will have to pass through 99 nodes
to reach the 100th node. Hence to prevent data loss repeaters are used in the network.

In-Ring Topology, the Token Ring Passing protocol is used by the workstations to transmit the data
where, Token passing is a network access method in which a token is passed from one node to another
node & Token is a frame that circulates around the network.​
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Advantages of Ring Topology
●​ The data transmission is high-speed.
●​ The possibility of collision is minimum in this type of topology.
●​ Cheap to install and expand.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology

●​ The failure of a single node in the network can cause the entire network to fail.
●​ Troubleshooting is difficult in this topology.
●​ Less secure.

STAR TOPOLOGY
Star topology is an arrangement of the network in which every node is connected to the central hub,
switch or a central computer. The central computer is known as a server, and the peripheral devices
attached to the server are known as clients. Data doesn’t usually move straight from one device to another.
Instead, it is transferred through the device’s central hub first, then the central device reroutes it to its
correct destination. Below, you can see the star topology diagram for better understanding.
Let’s say you have a switch and four computers: A, B, C, and D.

1.​ Computer A sends data meant for Computer B.

2.​ The data travels from A to the switch on A’s cable.
3.​ The switch checks where B is connected.
4.​ The switch sends the data only to B’s port.
5.​ Computer B receives the data.
This is why the central device matters so much.​

Advantages of Star Topology

Some of the advantages of star topology are:
1.​ Easy to troubleshoot: If one device goes offline, you check its cable and its switch port. Other
devices usually keep working.
2.​ Easy to expand: Adding a device is simple: plug it into the switch. No need to disturb existing
users.
3.​ Better performance with switches: A switch sends data only where it should go. This reduces
unnecessary traffic.
4.​ Good for modern features: Supports VLANs (traffic separation), QoS (priority for voice/video),
Port security (control who can connect), and Monitoring (see errors and usage)
5.​ Device failure is isolated: One PC failing does not crash the whole LAN.
6.​ Cleaner management: Central equipment can be protected with a UPS. Updates and monitoring
are easier from one place.

Disadvantages of Star Topology

Apart from advantages, star topology also has some disadvantages. These are:
1.​ The central device is a single point of failure: If the central switch fails, many devices lose
connection. This is the biggest risk in a basic star.
2.​ More cabling: Each device needs its own cable to the center. This raises the cable and installation
costs.
3.​ Hardware cost can grow: More devices mean more switch ports. Larger setups need multiple
switches and uplinks.
4.​ Possible bottlenecks: If many devices send heavy traffic, the central switch or uplinks can get
overloaded. Bad design can make a fast LAN feel slow.
5.​ Distance limits: Ethernet cable length limits apply. Long buildings may require extra switches or
fiber uplinks.
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