Types of Network Topology
Topology defines the structure of the network of how all the components are interconnected to each other. There
are two types of topology: physical and logical topology.

Bus Topology:
o The bus topology is designed in such a way that all the stations are connected through a single cable known
as a backbone cable.
o Each node is either connected to the backbone cable by drop cable or directly connected to the backbone
cable.
o When a node wants to send a message over the network, it puts a message over the network. All the
stations available in the network will receive the message whether it has been addressed or not.
o The bus topology is mainly used in 802.3 (Ethernet) and 802.4 standard networks.
o The configuration of a bus topology is quite simpler as compared to other topologies.
o The backbone cable is considered as a "single lane" through which the message is broadcast to all the
stations.
Advantages:
o If N devices are connected to each other in a bus topology, then the number of cables required to connect
them is 1, which is known as backbone cable, and N drop lines are required.
o The cost of the cable is less as compared to other topologies, but it is used to build small networks.
Disadvantages:
o If the common cable fails, then the whole system will crash down.
o If the network traffic is heavy, it increases collisions in the network. To avoid this, various protocols
are used in the MAC layer known as Pure Aloha, Slotted Aloha, CSMA/CD, etc.
o Security is very low.

Ring Topology:
o Ring topology is like a bus topology, but with connected ends.
o The node that receives the message from the previous computer will retransmit to the next node.
o The data flows in one direction, i.e., it is unidirectional.
o The data flows in a single loop continuously known as an endless loop.
o It has no terminated ends, i.e., each node is connected to other node and having no termination point.
o The data in a ring topology flow in a clockwise direction.
Advantages:
o The possibility of collision is minimum in this type of topology.
o Cheap to install and expand.
Disadvantages:
o Troubleshooting is difficult in this topology.
o The addition of stations in between or removal of stations can disturb the whole topology.
o Less secure.

Star Topology:
o Star topology is an arrangement of the network in which every node is connected to the central hub, switch
or a central computer.
o The central computer is known as a server, and the peripheral devices attached to the server are known
as clients.
o Coaxial cable or RJ-45 cables are used to connect the computers.
o Hubs or Switches are mainly used as connection devices in a physical star topology.
o Star topology is the most popular topology in network implementation.
Advantages:
o If N devices are connected to each other in a star topology, then the number of cables required to connect
them is N. So, it is easy to set up.
o Each device requires only 1 port i.e. to connect to the hub, therefore the total number of ports required
is N.
Disadvantages:
o If the concentrator (hub) on which the whole topology relies fails, the whole system will crash down.
o The cost of installation is high.
o Performance is based on the single concentrator hub.

Tree topology:
o Tree topology combines the characteristics of bus topology and star topology.
o A tree topology is a type of structure in which all the computers are connected with each other in
hierarchical fashion.
o The top-most node in tree topology is known as a root node, and all other nodes are the descendants of
the root node.
o There is only one path exists between two nodes for the data transmission. Thus, it forms a parent-child
hierarchy.
Advantages:
o It allows more devices to be attached to a single central hub thus it decreases the distance that is traveled
by the signal to come to the devices.
o It allows the network to get isolate and also prioritize from different computers.
Disadvantages:
o If the central hub gets fails the entire system fails.
o The cost is high because of cabling.

Mesh topology:
o Mesh technology is an arrangement of the network in which computers are interconnected with each other
through various redundant connections.
o There are multiple paths from one computer to another computer.
o It does not contain the switch, hub or any central computer which acts as a central point of communication.
o The Internet is an example of the mesh topology.
o Mesh topology is mainly used for WAN implementations where communication failures are a critical
concern.
o Mesh topology is mainly used for wireless networks.
o Mesh topology can be formed by using the formula: Number of cables = (n*(n-1))/2;
o
Advantages:
o The fault is diagnosed easily. Data is reliable because data is transferred among the devices through
dedicated channels or links.
o Provides security and privacy.

Disadvantages:
o Installation and configuration are difficult.
o The cost of cables is high as bulk wiring is required, hence suitable for less number of devices.
o The cost of maintenance is high.
References:
https://beginnersbook.com/2019/03/computer-network-topology-mesh-star-bus-ring-and-hybrid/
https://www.javatpoint.com/computer-network-topologies
https://www.studytonight.com/computer-networks/network-topology-types
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-network-topology/
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/data_communication_computer_network/computer_network_topologies.htm

Types of network topology

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