Network topology :-
The physical network connectivity or logical layout of a computer network comes under network topology. How devices are connected in the network and how data flows comes under network topology. There are many types of it, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Types of network topology :-
1. Bus topology
2. Ring topology
3. Star topology
4. Mesh topology
5. Tree topology
6. Hybrid topology
1. Bus topology :- In this topology all the devices are connected to a center cable or bus. This cable sends data to all the devices.
Features of bus topology :-
Simplicity: The structure of this topology is easy and it costs less to install.
Data flow : In bus topology, data flows through a single cable.
Advantages of bus topology :-
Cost effective : It costs very little to install and maintain this topology.
Simplicity: The structure of bus topology is very simple, which makes it easy to work.
Disadvantages of bus topology:-
Limited length: The length of the cable of bus topology is limited, due to which the size of the network is also limited.
Data collision: Only one cable is used in bus topology, which increases the possibility of data collision.
Example of bus topology:-
Bus topology is used in small office or home network.
2. Ring topology:- In this topology all the devices are connected in a closed loop or ring. Due to which the data moves in the same direction. And every device forwards the data.
Features of ring topology:-
Directional flow: In ring topology, the flow of data takes place in only one direction.
Forwarding: In this topology, all nodes forward the data to the other node.
Advantages of ring topology:-
Data flow: Data collision is very rare in ring topology.
Performance: All nodes take active part in ring topology.
Disadvantages of ring topology:-
Breakdown: In ring topology, if any one node breaks down, the entire network gets affected.
Complexity: It is very difficult to establish and maintain ring topology.
3. Star topology:- In star topology, all nodes are connected to a center node or switch, which is also called a hub. This hub sends data to all nodes.
Features of star topology:-
Center hub: In star topology, all nodes are connected to a center hub.
Data centric: In star topology, data flows through the central hub.
Advantages of star topology:-
Causality: In this topology, the entire network is not affected by the failure of any node.
Simplicity: Star topology is easy to establish and is simple.
Disadvantages of star topology:-
Center hub: If the center hub of star topology breaks down, the entire network does not work.
Cost: In this topology, the cost of hub or switch is high.
Examples of Star Topology:-
Star topology is used in home and office networks.
Mesh Topology:- In mesh topology, every node is directly connected to the rest of the nodes. It is divided into full and partial mesh topology.
Features of Mesh Topology:-
Multi-path: There is more than one path for data in mesh topology.
Connectivity: In mesh topology, every node is connected to other nodes.
Advantages of Mesh Topology:-
Reliability: If one path fails in mesh topology, then data flows through another path.
Performance: Mesh topology has high performance and data is more secure.
Disadvantages of Mesh Topology:-
Cost: It costs a lot to establish and maintain mesh topology.
Complexity: The structure of mesh topology is complex.
Examples of Mesh Topology:-
Mesh topology is used in mission-critical networks such as military networks.
5. Tree Topology:- In tree topology, nodes are connected in a sequence of positions, in which each level represents a group of nodes.
Features of Tree Topology:-
Hierarchical Structure: In tree topology, nodes are connected in a sequence of positions.
Data Flow: In tree topology, data flows through many levels.
Advantages of Tree Topology:-
Scalability: This topology can be easily expanded.
Management: Management of tree topology is very simple.
Disadvantages of Tree Topology:-
Central Point: In tree topology, if the main node fails, the entire network shuts down.
Cost: It costs a lot to set up this topology.
Examples of Tree Topology:-
Tree topology is used in large corporate networks.
6. Hybrid Topology:- In hybrid topology one or more networks are connected in a topology. It is used to meet the requirement of many networks.
Features of Hybrid Topology:-
Diversity: Uses a mixture of many network topologies.
Adaptability: Hybrid topology is adapted according to the requirement of the network.
Advantages of Hybrid Topology:-
Flexible: Hybrid topology meets the requirement of the network.
Performance: Hybrid topology has high performance.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology:-
Complexity: There is complexity in setting up hybrid topology.
Cost: It costs a lot to set up hybrid topology.
Examples of Hybrid Topology:-
Hybrid topology is used in large organizations where different departments require different networks.
Conclusion:- there are different kinds of network layouts, and each has its own pros and cons. It is used in its place based on that. Choosing the right topology affects network performance and security. The right topology is used based on business requirements and cost.
