Network Topology refers to the physical layout of connected devices. In this chapter, we will discuss network topology; and four types of network topologies, along with their advantages and disadvantages.

Summary

  • The structure of interconnecting communication channels with nodes in order to establish a computer network is known as network topology.
  • There are four common types of network topologies: Bus Topology, Ring Topology, Star Topology, and Mesh Topology.
  • Star Topology is the most common network topology.

Bus Topology

Bus Topology is a network layout in which all the devices are interconnected to a straight distribution channel (also called as backbone). This topology is suitable for a organization that is not likely to add any more nodes in the network any sooner.

Bus Topology - Computer Network Topology
Bus Topology - Computer Network Topology

☞ Advantages

  • Setup cost of this network structure is inexpensive.
  • Cable requirement is also least as compared to other topologies.
  • It is easy to add new nodes even after installing the entire system.
  • It is effective in smaller computer networks.

☞ Disadvantages

  • The entire network is dependent upon the single communication channel so, failure in it causes the entire network to go down.
  • Though adding new nodes is easy, it would cause decrease in the overall performance of the system.
  • There should be terminators at both ends of the cable.

Ring Topology

Ring topology is another type of network layout in which each computer is connected to two other adjacent computers. In this topology, there is no such computer having the highest priority because all of them have the equal capabilities in data communication and sharing of resources. Data transfer is sequential.

Ring Topology - Computer Network Topology

☞ Advantages

  • It is an inexpensive layout for establishing and running a network.

☞ Disadvantages

  • It is difficult to find out the fault in data communication within the computer network.
  • Addition or removal of nodes affects the entire system and is a difficult task.
  • Failure of a node disturbs data communication in the entire system.

Star Topology

In this topology, there lies a central controlling unit and all other nodes are connected to it through hub or switch. It is a widely used topology.

Star Topology - Computer Network Topology
Star Topology - Computer Network Topology

☞ Advantages

  • It provides faster performance.
  • Finding the fault and correcting it in this system is easy.
  • Failure of a node in the network doesn't affect the entire network.

☞ Disadvantages

  • Setup cost of this network is high due to the requirement of expensive hardware elements like hub and communication channels.
  • Failure of the hub affects the entire network.

Mesh Topology

Mesh Topology[1] is a hybrid network structure that uses a combination of all other topologies. Each computer is connected to every other computer in the network in full mesh topology. Data flow is random in the network.

Mesh Topology - Computer Network Topology
Mesh Topology - Computer Network Topology

☞ Advantages

  • It can handle high traffic without degrading the user experience.
  • Failure of a node doesn't affect the entire network.
  • Addition of new nodes is easy and has no negative impact in the overall performance of the network.

☞ Disadvantages

  • It is an expensive network in terms of setup and maintenance cost.