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📘 COMPUTER WITH AI – CLASS 8
Chapter 1 – Computer Networks (Detailed
Notes – Part 2)
7. Network Topologies
A Network Topology is the physical or logical arrangement of computers and cables in a
network. It shows how devices are connected and how data travels between them.
Why are Topologies Important?
Easy installation
Better communication
Easy maintenance
Faster troubleshooting
A. Bus Topology
In a Bus Topology, all computers are connected to a single main cable called the Backbone
Cable.
Diagram
Computer ─────┐
│
Computer ─────┼──────────── Backbone Cable ───────────
│
Computer ─────┤
│
Printer ──────┘
Advantages
Low cost
Easy to install
Requires less cable
Disadvantages
If the main cable fails, the entire network stops working.
Performance decreases when many computers are connected.
Uses
Small offices
Temporary networks
B. Star Topology
In a Star Topology, every computer is connected to a central device called a Switch or Hub.
Diagram
Computer
Computer ---- Switch ---- Computer
Computer
Advantages
Easy to add or remove computers.
Failure of one computer does not affect others.
Easy to identify faults.
Disadvantages
If the switch fails, the entire network stops.
Requires more cables.
Uses
Schools
Offices
Banks
Star Topology is the most commonly used network topology today.
C. Ring Topology
In a Ring Topology, each computer is connected to two neighboring computers, forming a
circle.
Diagram
Computer ----- Computer
| |
Computer ----- Computer
Data travels in one direction around the ring.
Advantages
Equal access for all computers.
Good performance under heavy traffic.
Disadvantages
Failure of one computer may affect the whole network.
Difficult to troubleshoot.
D. Mesh Topology
In a Mesh Topology, every computer is connected to every other computer.
Diagram
A -------- B
|\ /|
| \ / |
| \ / |
| \ / |
D -------- C
Advantages
Very reliable.
Multiple paths for data.
High security.
Disadvantages
Expensive.
Difficult to install.
Requires many cables.
Uses
Military
Banking
Space Research
E. Tree Topology
A Tree Topology combines Star and Bus Topologies.
It resembles the branches of a tree.
Advantages
Suitable for large organizations.
Easy to expand.
Disadvantages
Expensive.
Difficult to maintain.
Comparison of Topologies
Topology Cost Reliability Speed Maintenance
Bus Low Low Medium Easy
Star Medium High High Easy
Ring Medium Medium Medium Difficult
Mesh Very High Very High Very High Difficult
Tree High High High Moderate
8. Network Devices
Network devices help computers communicate efficiently.
A. Hub
A Hub is the simplest networking device.
It sends incoming data to all connected computers, whether they need it or not.
Advantages
Cheap
Easy to install
Disadvantages
Slow
Creates unnecessary network traffic
B. Switch
A Switch is an intelligent networking device.
It sends data only to the intended computer, making communication faster and more secure.
Advantages
Faster than a hub
Reduces traffic
More secure
C. Router
A Router connects two or more different networks.
It also directs Internet traffic.
Functions
Connects a home or school network to the Internet.
Chooses the best path for data.
Example:
The Wi-Fi router in your home connects your devices to the Internet.
D. Modem
A Modem connects your computer or router to the Internet Service Provider (ISP).
It converts digital signals into signals that can travel over telephone or cable lines and vice
versa.
E. Repeater
A Repeater strengthens weak signals so they can travel longer distances.
Example:
Used to extend Wi-Fi coverage in large buildings.
F. Bridge
A Bridge connects two similar LANs, allowing them to communicate as one network.
Comparison of Network Devices
Device Main Function
Hub Sends data to all devices
Switch Sends data only to the correct device
Router Connects different networks
Modem Connects to the ISP
Repeater Boosts weak signals
Bridge Connects two LANs
9. Transmission Media
Transmission media is the path through which data travels.
There are two main types:
A. Wired Media
Uses physical cables.
Types
1. Twisted Pair Cable
2. Coaxial Cable
3. Optical Fiber Cable
Optical Fiber
Uses light to transmit data.
Very fast.
Can carry data over long distances.
Used for high-speed Internet.
Advantages
High speed
Secure
Less interference
Disadvantages
Installation can be costly.
Limited mobility.
B. Wireless Media
Uses radio waves or infrared signals.
Examples:
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Infrared
Mobile Networks (4G/5G)
Advantages
No cables needed.
Easy to move devices.
Convenient for smartphones and laptops.
Disadvantages
Can be slower than wired connections.
More susceptible to interference.
Security settings are important.
10. Internet Service Provider (ISP)
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a company that provides Internet access to users.
Examples (India):
Jio
Airtel
BSNL
ACT Fibernet
Without an ISP, you cannot connect to the Internet.
Quick Revision
Topology: The way devices are connected in a network.
Star Topology is the most common.
Switch is more efficient than a Hub.
Router connects different networks.
Modem connects you to your ISP.
Optical Fiber provides very high-speed data transmission.
Wireless networks offer mobility but require good security practices.
This concludes Part 2 of the chapter. Part 3 will cover:
Internet and World Wide Web (WWW)
URL and Domain Names
Web Browsers and Search Engines
Email
Cloud Computing
Cyber Safety and Digital Citizenship
50 MCQs with Answers
Short Answer Questions
Long Answer Questions
HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) Questions
Diagram-Based Questions
Complete Chapter Summary and Mind Map