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TLE ICT 10 - Network Topologies - Activity Sheet

The document discusses different network topologies and architectures. It defines topologies like bus, star, ring, mesh, and tree. It explains that a topology is the physical configuration that determines how computers connect in a network. It then provides details on different topologies, including advantages and disadvantages. The document also discusses network architectures like peer-to-peer and client-server networks, and provides an overview of their key aspects.

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1K views7 pages

TLE ICT 10 - Network Topologies - Activity Sheet

The document discusses different network topologies and architectures. It defines topologies like bus, star, ring, mesh, and tree. It explains that a topology is the physical configuration that determines how computers connect in a network. It then provides details on different topologies, including advantages and disadvantages. The document also discusses network architectures like peer-to-peer and client-server networks, and provides an overview of their key aspects.

Uploaded by

GioSanBuenaventura
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Republic of the Philippines

Department of Educ ation


National Capital Region
Division of C ity Sc hools
STO. NIÑO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Agrc ultores St., Sto. Niño, M arikina City

Name: Date:
Yr./Section: Teacher:
Activity Title:

INFORMATION SHEET No. 2-2

NETWORK TOPOLOGIES

Learning Objectives:

After reading this Information Sheet you should be able to:

1. Identity different Network Topologies


2. Identify Networking Methods and Architecture

Network Topologies And Types Of Networks


A network can be setup in dozens of different ways known as network
topologies. Common configurations include the bus topology, mesh topology,
ring topology, star topology, tree topology and hybrid topology. Most home
users have a home network with a tree topology that is connected to the
Internet. Many corporate networks will use the tree topology setup as well, but
they typically have many more star networks and may also have an Intranet for
employees only.
Alternatively referred to as a network topology, a topology is the
physical configuration of a network that determines how the network's
computers are connected.

Bus Topology

Alternatively referred to as a line topology, a bus topology is a network


setup in which each computer and network devices are connected to a single
cable or backbone. The following sections contain both the advantages and
disadvantages of using a bus topology with your devices.
Advantages of Bus Topology

 It works well when you have a small network.


 Easiest network topology for connecting computers or peripherals in
a linear fashion.
 Requires less cable length than a star topology.

Disadvantages of Bus Topology

 Difficult to identify the problems if the whole network goes down.


 It can be hard to troubleshoot individual device issues.
 Not great for large networks.
 Terminators are required for both ends of the main cable.
 Additional devices slow the network down.
 If a main cable is damaged, the network fails or splits into two.

Mesh Topology
A network setup where each computer and network device is
interconnected with one another, allowing for most transmissions to be
distributed, even if one of the connections go down. This topology is
not commonly used for most computer networks as it is difficult and
expensive to have redundant connection to every computer. However,
this topology is commonly used for wireless networks. Below is a visual
example of a simple computer setup on a network using a mesh topology.

A mesh topology can be a full mesh topology or a partially connected


mesh topology.
In a full mesh topology, every computer in the network has a connection
to each of the other computers in that network.
In a partially connected mesh topology, at least two of the computers
in the network have connections to multiple other computers in that
network. This is a cheaper way to build a network that has some
redundancy in the event one of the primary computers or connections in the
network were to be down.
Ring Topology

Alternatively referred to as a ring network,


a ring topology is a computer network configuration
where the devices are connected to each other in a
circular shape. Each packet is sent around the ring
until it reaches its final destination. Ring topologies
are used in both local area network (LAN) and wide
area network (WAN) setups. The picture to the right is
a visual example of a network using the ring topology
to connect several computers together.

Additional Information:
In the past, the ring topology was most commonly used in schools,
offices, and smaller buildings where networks were smaller. However, today,
the ring topology is seldom used, having been switched to another type of
network topology for improved performance, stability, or support.
Advantages of Ring Topology

 All data flows in one direction, reducing the chance of packet collisions.
 A network server is not needed to control network connectivity
between each workstation.
 Data can transfer between workstations at high speeds.
 Additional workstations can be added without impacting performance
of the network.
Disadvantages of Ring Topology
 All data being transferred over the network must pass through
each workstation on the network, which can make it slower than a
star topology.
 The entire network will be impacted if one workstation shuts down.
 The hardware needed to connect each workstation to the network is more
expensive than Ethernet cards and hubs/switches.

Star Topology

Alternatively referred to as a star network, star


topology is one of the most common network setups. In this
configuration, every node connects to a central network
device, like a hub, switch, or computer. The central network
device acts as a server and the peripheral devices act as
clients.
The picture to the right shows how this network setup gets its name, as
it is shaped like a star.
Advantages of Star Topology
 Centralized management of the network, through the use of the
central computer, hub, or switch.
 Easy to add another computer to the network.
 If one computer on the network fails, the rest of the network continues
to function normally.
Disadvantages of Star Topology
 Can have a higher cost to implement, especially when using a switch
or router as the central network device.
 The central network device determines the performance and number
of nodes the network can handle.
 If the central computer, hub, or switch fails, the entire network
goes down and all computers are disconnected from the network.

Tree Topology

Alternatively referred to as a star bus topology, tree topology is one of


the most common network setups that is similar to a bus topology and a star
topology. A tree topology connects one star network to other star networks.

Below is a visual example of a tree topology, with a simple computer set up on


a network using the star topology, connected to another network using the star
topology.

In the picture above, if the main cable or trunk between each of the two
star topology networks were to fail, those networks would be unable to
communicate with each other. However, computers on the same star topology
would still be able to communicate with each other.
Hybrid
Topology

A hybrid topology is a type of network topology that uses two or more


other network topologies, including bus topology, mesh topology, ring topology,
star topology, and tree topology.

Different Network Methods:


1. Local area network (LAN), which is usually a small network constrained
to a small geographic area. An example of a LAN would be a computer
network within a building.
2. Metropolitan area network (MAN), which is used for medium size area.
Examples for a city or a state.
3. Wide Area Network (WAN) that is usually a larger network that covers a
large geographic area.
4. Wireless LANs and WANs (WLAN & WWAN) are the wireless equivalent
of the LAN and WAN.
Network Architecture:
1. Peer-To-Peer Network

Alternatively referred to as P2P, P-to-P and P2P communications, peer-


to-peer communication refers to the transmission between two peer
computers over a network. P2P became widely known by computer users
as they began sharing MP3s and other files over P2P networks. For example,
Napster is an example of a P2P software application. After downloading and
installing this program users were able to connect with other computers,
search for songs, and download any of them freely.
Alternatively referred to as a P2P network, a peer-to-peer network is a
network that does not have a central computer or dedicated server; in other
words, all computers are independent. This network is what you would most
likely find in home networks or small networks comprised of a dozen or less
computers.

2. Client/Server network
A network setup that utilizes both servers and clients. For example, a
network that utilizes a DNS server is an example of a client/server network.
Most client/server networks are the networks you would find in a corporate or
business environment.
Client-Server Network: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages Disadvantages
All files are stored in a central location A specialist network operating system
is needed
Network peripherals are controlled The server is expensive to purchase
centrally
Backups and network security is Specialist staff such as a network
controlled centrally manager is needed
Users can access shared data which is If any part of the network fails a lot of
centrally controlled disruption can occur

Peer-To-Peer Network: Advantages and Disadvantages


Advantages Disadvantages
No need for a network operating Because each computer might be
system being accessed by others it can slow
down the performance for the user
Does not need an expensive server Files and folders cannot be centrally
because individual workstations are backed up
used to access the files
No need for specialist staff such as Files and resources are not centrally
network technicians because each organized into a specific 'shared area'.
user sets their own permissions as to They are stored on individual
which files they are willing to share. computers and might be difficult to
locate if the computer's owner does
not have a logical filing system.
Much easier to set up than a client- Ensuring that viruses are not
server network - does not need introduced to the network is the
specialist knowledge responsibility of each individual user
If one computer fails it will not disrupt There is little or no security besides
any other part of the network. It just the permissions. Users often don't
means that those files aren't available need to log onto their workstations.
to other users at that time.

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