Computer Network Topologies

Dr. Muhammad Ashraf

Department of Software Engineering,

BUITEMS.
 Topology

 Network topologies describe the ways in which the elements

of a network are mapped. They describe the physical and
logical arrangement of the network nodes.
 The physical topology of a network refers to the configuration
of cables, computers, and other peripherals

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 Types of Topologies

 Bus Topology
 Star Topology
 Ring Topology

 Mesh Topology
 Tree Topology
 Hybrid Topology

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 Bus Topology

 All the nodes (file server, workstations, and peripherals) on a

bus topology are connected by one single cable.
 A bus topology consists of a main run of cable with a
terminator at each end. All nodes (file server, workstations,
and peripherals) are connected to the linear cable.
 Popular on LANs because they are inexpensive and easy to
install

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Bus Topology

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 Bus Topology

Advantages of Bus Topology

 It is Cheap, easy to handle and implement.
 Require less cable
 It is best suited for small networks.

Disadvantages of Bus Topology

 The cable length is limited. This limits the number of stations that can be
connected.
 This network topology can perform well only for a limited number of
nodes.

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 Ring Topology

 In a ring network, every device has exactly two neighbors for

communication purposes.
 All messages travel through a ring in the same direction.
 A failure in any cable or device breaks the loop and can take
down the entire network.
 To implement a ring network we use the Token Ring
technology

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 Ring Topology

 A token, or small data packet, is continuously passed around

the network. When a device needs to transmit, it reserves the
token for the next trip around, then attaches its data packet to
it.

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 Ring Topology

Advantage of Ring Topology

 Very orderly network where every device has access to the
token and the opportunity to transmit.
 Easier to Mange than a Bus Network

 Good Communication over long distances

 Handles high volume of traffic

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 Ring Topology

Disadvantages of Ring Topology

 The failure of a single node of the network can cause the entire
network to fail.
 The movement or changes made to network nodes affects the
performance of the entire network.

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 Star Topology

 In a star network, each node (file server, workstations, and

peripherals) is connected to a central device called a hub.
 The hub takes a signal that comes from any node and passes it
along to all the other nodes in the network.
 Data on a star network passes through the hub, switch, or
concentrator before continuing to its destination.

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 Star Topology

 The hub, switch, or concentrator manages and controls all

functions of the network.
 The star topology reduces the chance of network failure by
connecting all of the systems to a central node.

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 Star Topology

Advantages of Star Topology

 Easy to manage
 Easy to locate problems (cable/workstations)

 Easier to expand than a bus or ring topology.

 Easy to install and wire.
 Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

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 Star Topology

Disadvantages of Star Topology

 Requires more cable length than a linear topology.
 If the hub or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled.

 More expensive because of the cost of the concentrators.

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 Tree Topology

 A tree topology (hierarchical topology) can be viewed as a

collection of star networks arranged in a hierarchy.
 This tree has individual peripheral nodes which are required to
transmit to and receive from one other only and are not
required to act as repeaters or regenerators.
 The tree topology arranges links and nodes into distinct
hierarchies in order to allow greater control and easier
troubleshooting.

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 Tree Topology

 This is particularly helpful for colleges, universities and

schools so that each of the connect to the big network in some
way.

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 Tree Topology

Advantages of a Tree Topology

 Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.
 Supported by several hardware and software vendors.
 All the computers have access to the larger and their immediate networks.

Disadvantages of a Tree Topology

 Overall length of each segment is limited by the type of cabling used.
 If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down.
 More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.

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 Mesh Topology

 In this topology, each node is connected to every other node in

the network.
 Implementing the mesh topology is expensive and difficult.
 In this type of network, each node may send message to
destination through multiple paths.
 While the data is travelling on the Mesh Network it is
automatically configured to reach the destination by taking the
shortest route which means the least number of hops.

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Mesh Topology

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 Mesh Topology

Advantage of Mesh Topology

 No traffic problem as there are dedicated links.
 It has multiple links, so if one route is blocked then other routes can be
used for data communication.
 Points to point links make fault identification easy.

Disadvantage of Mesh Topology

 There is mesh of wiring which can be difficult to manage.
 Installation is complex as each node is connected to every node.
 Cabling cost is high.

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 Hybrid Topology

 A combination of any two or more network topologies.

 A hybrid topology always accrues when two different basic
network topologies are connected.
 It is a mixture of above mentioned topologies. Usually, a
central computer is attached with sub-controllers which in turn
participate in a variety of topologies.

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Hybrid Topology

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 Hybrid Topology

Advantages of a Hybrid Topology

 It is extremely flexible.
 It is very reliable.

Disadvantages of a Hybrid Topology

 Expensive

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