Network Topology

Network Topology

Topology in Network Design

Think of a topology as a network's virtual shape or structure. This shape does not necessarily correspond to the actual physical layout of the devices on the network. For example, the computers on a home LAN may be arranged in a circle in a family room, but it would be highly unlikely to find a ring topology there.

Topology is a physical layout of the systems connected in a network.

Different types of topology are:

• Bus
• Ring
• Mesh
• Star
• Hybrid

Bus topology

In bus topology all devices are connected to a single cable or

backbone.

• It supports half duplex communication.

• A line breakup at any point along the trunk would result in total

network failure.

Ring topology

In ring topology all devices exactly connect to the other two devices forming a single continuous path.


Ring networks may be disrupted by a failure of a single link or device

Mesh topology

 A mesh network is a network in which all the devices are  connected with each other via a dedicated link

 A mesh network is a self healing network .

 The only disadvantage is the physical cabling required and the  NIC card’s on each device.

Star topology

One of the most common topologies used now a days.

 It consist of one centralized device which can be either a switch or a hub.

The devices connect to the various ports on the centralized devices.

Extented Star topology

Hybrid topology

 In hybrid topology two or more topologies are connected together to

 form a complete network.

 For example a hybrid topology could be combination of bus and a star

topology.