Network (TOPOLOGY) refers to the arrangement of different elements like
nodes, links, or devices in a computer network. It defines how these components
are connected and interact with each other.
Types of Network (TOPOLOGY)
The arrangement of a network that comprises nodes and connecting lines via
sender and receiver is referred to as Network (TOPOLOGY). The various
network topologies are:
• Point to Point (TOPOLOGY)
• Mesh (TOPOLOGY)
• Star (TOPOLOGY)
• Bus (TOPOLOGY)
• Ring (TOPOLOGY)
• Tree (TOPOLOGY)
• Hybrid (TOPOLOGY)
Point to Point (TOPOLOGY)
Point-to-point (TOPOLOGY) is a type of (TOPOLOGY) that works on the
functionality of the sender and receiver. It is the simplest communication
between two nodes, in which one is the sender and the other one is the receiver.
Point-to-Point provides high bandwidth.
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Point to Point (TOPOLOGY)
Mesh (TOPOLOGY)
In a mesh (TOPOLOGY), every device is connected to another device via a
particular channel. In Mesh (TOPOLOGY), the protocols used are DHCP (Dynamic
Host Configuration Protocol), etc.
Mesh (TOPOLOGY)
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A common example of mesh (TOPOLOGY) is the internet backbone, where
various internet service providers are connected to each other via dedicated
channels. This (TOPOLOGY) is also used in military communication systems and
aircraft navigation systems.
Star (TOPOLOGY)
In Star (TOPOLOGY), all the devices are connected to a single hub through a
cable. This hub is the central node and all other nodes are connected to the
central node.
Star (TOPOLOGY)
A star (TOPOLOGY) having four systems connected to a single point of
connection i.e. hub.
A common example of star (TOPOLOGY) is a local area network (LAN) in an
office where all computers are connected to a central hub. This (TOPOLOGY) is
also used in wireless networks where all devices are connected to a wireless
access point.
Bus (TOPOLOGY)
Bus (TOPOLOGY) is a network type in which every computer and network device
is connected to a single cable. It is bi-directional. It is a multi-point connection
and a non-robust (TOPOLOGY) because if the backbone fails the (TOPOLOGY)
crashes.
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Bus (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.
The data flows in one direction, i.e. it is unidirectional, but it can be made
bidirectional by having 2 connections between each Network Node, it is
called Dual Ring (TOPOLOGY). In-Ring (TOPOLOGY), the Token Ring Passing
protocol is used by the workstations to transmit the data.
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Ring (TOPOLOGY)
A ring (TOPOLOGY) comprises 4 stations connected with each forming a ring.
The most common access method of ring (TOPOLOGY) is token passing.
• Token passing: It is a network access method in which a token is
passed from one node to another node.
• Token: It is a frame that circulates around the network.
Operations of Ring (TOPOLOGY)
1. One station is known as a monitor station which takes all the
responsibility for performing the operations.
2. To transmit the data, the station has to hold the token. After the
transmission is done, the token is to be released for other stations to
use.
3. When no station is transmitting the data, then the token will circulate in
the ring.
4. There are two types of token release techniques: Early token
release releases the token just after transmitting the data and Delayed
token release releases the token after the acknowledgment is received
from the receiver.
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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.
• It is less costly than a star (TOPOLOGY).
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).
• The addition of stations in between or the removal of stations can
disturb the whole (TOPOLOGY).
• Less secure.
Tree (TOPOLOGY)
This (TOPOLOGY) is the variation of the Star (TOPOLOGY). This (TOPOLOGY) has
a hierarchical flow of data. In Tree (TOPOLOGY), protocols like DHCP
and SAC (Standard Automatic Configuration) are used.
Tree (TOPOLOGY)
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Advantages of Tree (TOPOLOGY)
• It allows more devices to be attached to a single central hub thus it
decreases the distance that is traveled by the signal to come to the
devices.
• It allows the network to get isolated and also prioritize from different
computers.
• We can add new devices to the existing network.
• Error detection and error correction are very easy in a tree
(TOPOLOGY).
Disadvantages of Tree (TOPOLOGY)
• If the central hub gets fails the entire system fails.
• The cost is high because of the cabling.
• If new devices are added, it becomes difficult to reconfigure.
Hybrid (TOPOLOGY)
This topological technology is the combination of all the various types of
topologies we have studied above. Hybrid (TOPOLOGY) is used when the nodes
are free to take any form. It means these can be individuals such as Ring or Star
(TOPOLOGY) or can be a combination of various types of topologies seen above.
Each individual (TOPOLOGY) uses the protocol that has been discussed earlier.
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Hybrid (TOPOLOGY)
The above figure shows the structure of the Hybrid (TOPOLOGY). As seen, it
contains a combination of all different types of networks.
A common example of a hybrid (TOPOLOGY) is a university campus network.
The network may have a backbone of a star (TOPOLOGY), with each building
connected to the backbone through a switch or router. Within each building,
there may be a bus or ring (TOPOLOGY) connecting the different rooms and
offices. The wireless access points also create a mesh (TOPOLOGY) for wireless
devices. This hybrid (TOPOLOGY) allows for efficient communication between
different buildings while providing flexibility and redundancy within each
building.
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