WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF NETWORK TOPOLOGIES

What is a Network Topology?

- Network Topology is the physical and logical arrangement of nodes and the links between a network. It refers about the network's layout or structure in connection to data flow. The configuration of components within a network, including computers, printers, servers, and other computer appliances that describes how these elements are interconnected and communicate with each other.

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Types of Network Topology

• Linear Bus Topology - It is a network setup that uses one long cable, referred to as a backbone, to which computers and other devices are attached; this configuration, data is transmitted in both directions between devices.   
                               
   

        Advantages

1. Cost effective
2. Less Cables Required
3. Network Scalability
4. Easy Installation, each cables need to be connected with the backbone cable. 

       Disadvantages

1. When there is a break in the backbone the entire network shuts down.
2. Limited Length
3. Collision Domain

• Star Topology - It is a network design where it uses a central device called a hub(a more efficient device called "switch" is also used)with cables extending in all directions to connect all the devices. Messages are transmitted to the central core, which then distributes the message to either all other systems or the particular destination system depending on the network architecture.
                               
   
  
  
  

        Advantages

1. Lack of disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices
2. Keeps away from point to point connections
3. Scalability
4. Little likelihood of data collisions  

       Disadvantages

1. If the hub fails, attached nodes will not be able to use the network resources
2. Need for more equipment 
3. Damage prone cables

• Ring Topology - It is a network configuration in which each device is connected to precisely two or more other devices, resulting in a circular channel for data transfer. Data moves around the ring in one direction (or both in a dual-ring design) forming one contiguous pathway. Each device (or node) functions as a repeater, regenerating and transmitting data to the next device in the sequence.

         Advantages

1. There is no need of network server to control the connectivity between workstation.
2. Equal Access 
3. Simplified Troubleshooting 
4. Predictable Performance

        Disadvantage

1. Data traffic issues
2. If a node fails, then the entire link gets disrupted
3. Security issues

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Note: FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface) is a set of standards for data transmission on fiber optic lines in a local area network (LAN) that can extend in range up to 200km (124 miles). The more common form of ring network is known as the IBM Token Ring network under the IEEE 802.5 standards.

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• Mesh Topology - It is a network structures wherein all device (nodes) on the network can route data traffic on their own.
                           
  
  

        Advantages

1. The central device handles all data traffic and user requests
2. No data traffic issues
3. Secure
4. Addition of new hardware has no impact on data transmission 

       Disadvantages

1. If the connection to the central hub breaks down, then all communication is lost between the node and the network 
2. Space Requirement
3. Overhead

• Hybrid Topology - It is a network configuration that combines elements of different topologies, such as bus, star, ring or mesh. 

        Advantages

1. We can choose the topology based on the requirement for example, scalability is our concern then we can use star topology instead of bus 
2. Optimized Performance 
3. Flexibility 
4. Improved Reliability

       Disadvantages

1. Fault detection is difficult 
2. Installation is difficult 
3. Design is complex so maintenance is high thus expensive

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Note: Hybrid networks are mostly found in high-performance or supercomputing systems due to the speed and numbers of processors that can handle computing tasks. Ordinary network and bus topologies would act as bottlenecks, reducing overall efficiency.

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