In networking, topology is the method of connecting devices to one another. It is the way of arrangement that helps in the proper utilization of resources and bandwidth. 5 different types of topologies exist and each has its own positive and negative points.
A closer look at the 5 types of topologies will help in clearing out the basic facts. It should be kept in mind that the physical arrangement of computers has no connection to the topology being followed to connect them:
A. Bus topology – in this type of topology, there is a single cable, called backbone that connects all the computers, one right after the other. This method of connecting is like a daisy-chain. Message is sent from one node through the backbone and then to the intended node or destination.
Disadvantage - the problem with this topology is that the sender sends a broadcast message that all the other nodes or devices are able to see but the recipient can only accept it.
B. Ring topology – as the name suggests this is a ring type set up where the nodes are daisy chained and they are connected one after the other and a complete circuit is formed. The sender at first sends out the message which goes to the next node and to the next until it reaches the intended node. The flow of the data can be either in a clockwise or in an anti-clockwise direction.
Disadvantage – since the nodes are all connected via a loop, any breakdown in the cable or a device can cause total failure.
C. Star topology – in this topology all the nodes are connected to a central connection called hub and any message originated must pass through the hub. When a message originates from a node it sends to the hub which then sends it to the intended node.
Disadvantage – there is not much of a disadvantage. Until and otherwise the hub fails the system will work fine.
D. Tree topology – this type of topology is a mixture of both star and bus topology. More than one hub is connected in a bus system and at the end of each hub devices are connected in star topology. In this method the network can be expanded in the future and more hubs connected.
Disadvantage – only disadvantage is that the system will go down if and only if the backbone cable goes down.
E. Mesh topology – as the name suggests this network is made in such a way that every device is connected to every other device and thus messages are sent via every conceivable pathway. This is generally employed in the WAN connection.
Disadvantage – due to many redundant connections present, this can prove to be quite expensive. Also the set up and maintenance is quite difficult.
These are the topologies that are followed in network connections. No one topology is perfectly foolproof and depends upon the situation and the requirement. The Cisco 2960s and C3750v2 are two very good switches that are used to connect devices together in topologies.
A closer look at the 5 types of topologies will help in clearing out the basic facts. It should be kept in mind that the physical arrangement of computers has no connection to the topology being followed to connect them:
A. Bus topology – in this type of topology, there is a single cable, called backbone that connects all the computers, one right after the other. This method of connecting is like a daisy-chain. Message is sent from one node through the backbone and then to the intended node or destination.
Disadvantage - the problem with this topology is that the sender sends a broadcast message that all the other nodes or devices are able to see but the recipient can only accept it.
B. Ring topology – as the name suggests this is a ring type set up where the nodes are daisy chained and they are connected one after the other and a complete circuit is formed. The sender at first sends out the message which goes to the next node and to the next until it reaches the intended node. The flow of the data can be either in a clockwise or in an anti-clockwise direction.
Disadvantage – since the nodes are all connected via a loop, any breakdown in the cable or a device can cause total failure.
C. Star topology – in this topology all the nodes are connected to a central connection called hub and any message originated must pass through the hub. When a message originates from a node it sends to the hub which then sends it to the intended node.
Disadvantage – there is not much of a disadvantage. Until and otherwise the hub fails the system will work fine.
D. Tree topology – this type of topology is a mixture of both star and bus topology. More than one hub is connected in a bus system and at the end of each hub devices are connected in star topology. In this method the network can be expanded in the future and more hubs connected.
Disadvantage – only disadvantage is that the system will go down if and only if the backbone cable goes down.
E. Mesh topology – as the name suggests this network is made in such a way that every device is connected to every other device and thus messages are sent via every conceivable pathway. This is generally employed in the WAN connection.
Disadvantage – due to many redundant connections present, this can prove to be quite expensive. Also the set up and maintenance is quite difficult.
These are the topologies that are followed in network connections. No one topology is perfectly foolproof and depends upon the situation and the requirement. The Cisco 2960s and C3750v2 are two very good switches that are used to connect devices together in topologies.
