NETWORK TOPOLOGIES
The pattern of interconnection of nodes in a network is called the topology.
TYPES OF TOPOLOGIES:
1. STAR TOPOLOGY
• Star topology is a network configuration
in which all nodes are connected to a
central device such as a hub or switch.
Data sent from one node passes through
the hub/switch before reaching the
destination node.
• Each node has a dedicated point-to-point
connection to the central hub.
• The central hub acts as a controller and
message forwarder.
• A failure in one cable affects only that
specific node.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Easy to Set Up and Manage – Simple Single Point of Failure – If the central
to install and configure. hub/switch fails, the entire network
goes down.
Fault Isolation – A fault in one node High Setup Cost – Requires more
doesn't affect the rest of the network. cables and a hub/switch, increasing
cost.
Scalability – New devices can be Cable Length Restrictions – May face
added without disrupting the network. physical limitations in large setups.
Centralized Monitoring – Easy to Hub Overload Risk – Too many
manage and monitor from the central connected devices may slow down the
hub. hub.
Better Performance – Dedicated lines Dependency on Hub/Switch – Entire
reduce chances of data collisions. communication relies on central
device efficiency.
2. BUS TOPOLOGY / LINEAR TOPOLOGY
• Bus topology is a network configuration
where all nodes (computers and devices)
are connected to a single central cable,
known as the backbone or bus.
• Data travels in both directions along the
bus, and each device checks if the data is
intended for it.
• Terminators are placed at both ends of
the bus to absorb signals and prevent
reflection.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Minimal Cable Usage - Requires less Single point of failure: if the bus cable
cabling compared to star topology. breaks, the entire network fails
Low Setup Cost - Cost-effective due to High chance of data collisions if
fewer components (no hub/switch). multiple devices transmit
simultaneously
Easy and quick to install Difficult to troubleshoot problems
along the backbone cable
Suitable for small networks with Low security since all nodes receive
limited devices transmitted data
3. RING TOPOLOGY/CIRCULAR TOPOLOGY:
• In Ring Topology, each node is connected to
exactly two other nodes, forming a
continuous closed loop or ring.
• Data travels in one direction (unidirectional
ring) or both directions (bidirectional ring),
passing through each node until it reaches its
destination.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Easy to Install and Expand – Single Point of Failure – Failure of one
Adding/removing nodes is relatively node or cable can disrupt the entire
simple. network.
No Need for Central Hub – Reduces Difficult Troubleshooting – Identifying
extra hardware costs. faults can be complex and time-
consuming.
Better Performance than Bus in Heavy Not Suitable for Modern Large
Traffic Networks – Lacks speed and
flexibility.
No Data Collision – Uses token Low Security – Data passes through
passing, which prevents data from all devices, increasing risk of
colliding. interception.
[Link] TOPOLOGY/HYBRID TOPOLOGY
• A tree topology is a combination of star and
bus topologies. It has a root node from
which all other nodes are connected in a
hierarchical or branching manner — like
branches of a tree.
• Used in large, complex networks
• Each node (except the root) is connected to
a parent node, forming a parent-child
hierarchy.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
High Scalability – Easily expandable Complex Configuration and
by adding new nodes at various Maintenance – Especially as the
levels. network grows.
Organized Structure – Hierarchical Expensive Setup – More devices
design simplifies network (hubs, repeaters) needed, increasing
management. cost.
Fault Isolation – Easier to identify and Single Point of Failure – Failure of a
isolate faults in individual branches. central hub can disrupt an entire
branch.
Supports Hierarchical Data Flow Slower Performance in Large
Networks – More nodes and levels can
reduce overall speed.
5. MESH TOPOLOGY/ COMPLETELY INTERCONNECTED TOPOLOGY
• In Mesh Topology, every node is connected
to every other node in the network.
• This creates a point-to-point connection
between all nodes, allowing direct
communication without passing through
any central device.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Robust and Reliable – One failure High Cabling Cost – Requires a large
doesn't affect the whole network. number of cables and ports.
No Traffic Congestion – Direct links Complex Installation – Setting up
between devices reduce collisions many connections is time-consuming.
High Data Privacy – Dedicated point- Difficult Maintenance – Managing
to-point links enhance security. many connections can be challenging.
Fast Communication – Data doesn't Not Scalable for Large Networks –
need to pass through intermediate Adding new nodes increases
devices. complexity.
Easy Fault Detection – Simple to Redundant Connections – Many links
identify and isolate faulty nodes. may remain unused, wasting
resources.