Network Topolgies

What is Topology? In the world of computer technology, the term that refers to the diagramming of connected devices within a network is called “topology”. To phrase it up, “topology” is the structure, layout or shape of the various devices contained in a network. There are various kinds of topologies but the three most common topologies are the bus, the ring, and the star.

The bus topology is often mistaken as something else. Bus networks are often confused with the “system bus” that is contained within the computer. These two are in fact not the same. A bus network uses a single cable that functions through a shared communication exchange medium. It attaches devices and permits the devices to connect with the interface connector. Simply put, if one device on the network would want to “speak” with another device on the network, it will then send out a message through the cable that all of the devices on the network can see. However, only the device for which the message was intended to go to will accept the delivery of the sent message and process it.

This topology is run through an Ethernet bus and it is simple enough to install yourself. It does not require a lot of wiring and cables, as most of the other topologies do. It is important to note that bus topology networks are most efficient when utilized with a finite or limited amount of devices attached to it. If too many computers are attached to the network, problems with performance will arise causing the network cable to fail. If this happens within the network, the network in its entirety will become unserviceable.

The advantages of bus topology are that it is simple to connect to a computer or a peripheral device, as well as that it requires significantly less cable than other topologies. Despite the facts, the bus does have its drawbacks. The biggest drawback is that if there is a breakdown of the main cable, then the entire network may crash or shut down. When this happens, terminators, which are resistors that connect to a signal wire in order to prevent reflections, must be placed at each end of the main cable. Bus topology can create a situation because it is so challenging to locate the source of a problem should the system crash. Finally, and perhaps the most important information about the system, is that it is not meant to be a stand-alone system within large organizations.

The ring topology is just what it sounds like, a ring. With this system, all the devices have two companions for the purpose of communication. All the messages circulate in the same travel direction. This direction is either counter clockwise or clockwise. Should any breakdown of any device or cable in the circle fail to function properly, the circle will then be broken and the entire network will shut down.

The main advantages of a ring network are that no single computer can dominate the network. The ring network will continue to function even when its capacity is overloaded. The network will run very slow but it will continue to work. There is a disadvantage that seems to be somewhat at odds with the advantages of the ring topology though. Although it can function when it is overloaded, if one computer within the ring fails,