Network Topology

Network Topology

Network Topology is the actual layout of the network.

The bus topology (see above figure) is arranged with all components, which consist of computers and printers (called the nodes), connected to the same cable segment with terminated ends. There can be a few or many computers and printers linked together with a bus topology. One of the computers on the workstation can also function as the server. Each workstation has access to the common cable. If the cable stops working though, the entire network stops working. Terminators are required at both ends of the cable. This solution will not work in a large building.

The bus topology is ideal for small networks of about five computers or less. This topology is very easy to connect new computers or printers to the bus. There is less cable required. The traffic generated by each of the computers or nodes travels across the backbone and all workstations receive it. When network traffic increases, the speed and performance can decrease. When there are only a few computers along with one printer on the network then the traffic is not very high. When the traffic is not high there is less chance of performance or speed decreasing.

The ring topology (see above figure) has all the computers and printers (nodes) connected on a single cable with no terminated ends. The signal travels in the same direction around the loop. The signal then passes through each computer. This data transmitting around the ring is called token passing. These are bits that contain control information. Whichever computer (node) holds the token that node can transmit data. If one node fails data can be routed around it so all nodes do not fail and the network does not go down.

The Star Topology

In many corporate offices is the star topology (see above figure) which is centered on a hub. This topology has each computer, printer, server (node) connected directly to the network hub. The data on the star topology passes through the hub before moving on to the destination. The star topology is much easier to troubleshoot than the Hub or the Ring Topology. If one computer fails, then only that computer is not able to send data and the other computers or printers are not affected. The network remains functioning.

The star