Network Topology: The Complete Information You Need To Know

In today’s post, we will learn what is network topology? And Different types of network topology? So let’s know without any delay what is network topology?

When many computers and other networking devices connect and share information, then we know it by the name of network. All the devices in the network are connected with each other using some or the other structure and layout. What kind of network is this, that is, its shape, layout or structure, the way in which these devices are connected to each other is understood through topology. If we say in simple words, how the arrangement of computers, servers, cables has been done in the network, we know that by the name of network topology.

Topology is of two types

  • Physical Topology- What is the physical structure of any network within Physical Topology, it is mentioned.
  • Logical Topology- How data is transferred from one device to another in any network is mentioned under Logical Topology. There are different types of Logical Topology, which we will know below.

What are the types of network topologies:

1. Bus Topology

In Bus Topology, all the devices of the network are connected to a Structured cabling, meaning all the computers are connected in the same order to the same cable, and all the devices in the network share information among themselves with the same Backbone Cable.

Coaxial cable is used in this topology. In BUS topology, when information is shared from a device, it goes to all the devices connected in the information network and the destination address is checked on every device and the device whose destination address matches. The data is sent to that device and the rest of the packets are terminated.

In Bus Topology, all the devices are connected to the same cable and when two devices share information at the same time in the network, then the problem of Data Destroy arises which is called Collision of Data.

Advantages of Bus Topology

  • These are very cost effective topologies.
  • Cable requirement is less as compared to other network topologies.
  • Good for Small Network.
  • It is very easy to understand this Topology.

Disadvantages of Bus Topology

  • If one cable fails, the whole network fails.
  • In this cable can transfer data only till a limited limited length.
  • It works much slower than other topologies.

2. Star Topology

In Star Topology all the computers are connected via a cable to a central device HUB or Switch. In today’s time Star Topology is the most used Topology in the Network. It provides Coast Effective Method to share the information in the network. In this topology, if there is any problem in the Central Device HUB or Switch, then the entire network. Fails, but if there is a problem in the local computer system then there is no difference on the network.

Advantage of Star Topology

  • Installing it is quite easy.
  • Faulty devices are easy to find if a network problem occurs.
  • The network can be easily expanded through Star Topology.
  • Connecting and removing devices to the network on the go does not make any difference to the network.
  • All the networks can be centralized managed through Star Topology.

Disadvantage of Star topology

  • More cables needed to build a network.
  • Due to problem in Centralize Device (Hub or Switch), the whole network fails.

3. Rig Topology

In ring topology, all the devices in the network are connected to the two devices nearest to them, so every device has two NIC cards and thus a circle is formed in the network. In this topology, the flow of data in the network occurs in only one direction, clockwise or anticlockwise. All devices work like a repeater

Advantage of RIG topology

  • Ring topology is easier to manage than bus topology.
  • Can handle large volumes of traffic in the network.
  • Very Reliable and provides good speed in the network.
  • There is a cost in the installation of Ring Topology.

Disadvantage of ring topology

  • Troubleshooting in Ring Topology is quite difficult.
  • Connecting or disconnecting the device in ring topology disturbs the whole network.
  • One bad device can cause the entire network to fail.

4. Mesh Topology

In Mesh Topology, all the devices of the network are connected to each other. In this topology, the data can be reached through any path till the destination. This method of topology is used where the network breaks frequently, because of its complex structure, mesh topology is not commonly used in networks.

Advantage of mesh topology

  • There are many ways to share information in the network.
  • Provides security and privacy
  • Easy to detect fault device

Disadvantage of Mesh topology

  • Mesh topology requires a lot of cables and NIC cards to implement the network.
  • Mesh topologies are quite expensive.

5. Tree Topology

The topology that is created using Bus Topology and Star Topology is called Tree Topology. In this, many Star Networks (switches) are connected to a Backbone Cable Communally, Twisted Pair Cable is used in this topology.

Advantage of Tree Topology

  • Easy to expand a network
  • Installing it is quite easy.
  • Faulty devices are easy to find if a network problem occurs.

Disadvantage of Tree Topology

  • Its installation is very difficult.
  • The whole network fails due to the issue in the backbone cable.
  • Expensive compared to other topologies.

6. Hybrid Topology

The topology that is made by mixing different types of topologies is known as Hybrid Topology. For example, if one office uses a ring topology and one uses a star topology, the topology formed by combining these topologies is a hybrid topology. This Topology is very useful for Corporate Offices.

Advantage of Hybrid Topology

  • This topology is good enough for large office networks.
  • Very helpful in handling large volume of traffic.
  • It is easy to find faulty device in the network.

Disadvantage of Hybrid topology

  • are quite expensive.
  • Its structure is quite complex.
  • Installation and configuration are very difficult.

In today’s post, we learned what is network topology? And Different types of network topology. I hope you have liked today’s post.

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Dev Jain

Dev Jain is a founder of Techbenzy. He just love Technology. Writing on Technology, Movie Download, Apps, tech tips, Entertainment, Biography, Anime etc. are some of his hobbies.

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