Sunday, March 22, 2009

Network Topologies







Bus topology
A type of network setup where each of the computers and network devices are connected to a single cable or
backbone. Below is a visual example of a simple computer setup on a network using the bus topology.

Ring topology

Also known as a ring network, the ring topology is a type of computer network configuration where each network computer and device are connected to each other forming a large circle (or similar shape). Each packet is sent around the ring until it reaches its final destination. Today, the ring topology is seldom used. Below is a visual example of a simple computer setup on a network using a ring topology.

Star topology

Also known as a star network, a star topology is one of the most common network setups where each of the devices and computers on a network connect to a central hub. A major disadvantage of this type of network topology is that if the central hub fails, all computers connected to that hub would be disconnected. Below is a visual example of a simple computer setup on a network using the star topology.

Mesh topology
A type of network setup where each of the computers and network devices are interconnected with one another, allowing for most transmissions to be distributed, even if one of the connections go down. This type of topology is not commonly used for most computer networks as it is difficult and expensive to have redundant connection to every computer. However, this type of topology is commonly used for wireless networks. Below is a visual example of a simple computer setup on a network using a mesh topology.

Tree topology

Also known as a star bus topology, tree topology is one of the most common types of
network setups that is similar to a bus topology and a star topology. A tree topology connects multiple star networks to other star networks. Below is a visual example of a simple computer setup on a network using the star topology.
In the above example picture if the main cable or
trunk between each of the two star topology networks failed, those networks would be unable to communicate with each other. However, computers on the same star topology would still be able to communicate with each other.


Hybrid topology A network topology that uses two or more network
topologies

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