Network Topoligies

Network Topologies

A ring topology is like light bulbs in series with each other. If one or more computers are turned off, some of the computers connected to it in the network will not have access to the rest of the network or the internet. In other words, they will be isolated from the rest of the network. They will only work in full or 100% capacity when all computers are connected and turned on.

Advantages of a Ring Topology

• Easy to install and wire.

• Equal Access to devices no one computer will use all the bandwidth

• Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

Disadvantages of a Ring Topology

• Slow since signals goes in sequential order

• If the MAU or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled.

• Single break in cable can disrupt the flow of network

Star topology is the more efficient because there is a client and a server. The access of the clients will not depend on the availability of the other clients but depends on the availability of the server. When the server is down, the client computers can still access all the other clients but will not be able to access the internet or the other services offered by the server.

Advantages of a Star Topology

• Easy to install and wire.

• No disruptions to the network then connecting or removing devices.

• Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

Disadvantages of a Star Topology

• Requires more cable.

• If the hub or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled.

• More expensive than linear bus topologies.

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.

Advantages of a Linear Bus Topology

• Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus.

• Requires less cable.

• Cheaper compared to start topology

Disadvantages of a Bus Topology

• Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable.

• Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable.

• Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down.

A mesh topology combines characteristics of bus, ring and star topologies. It consists of groups of star-configured workstations connected to a linear bus backbone cable and ring networks . Mesh topologies allow for the expansion of an existing network, and enable companies to configure a network to meet their needs.

Internet is the most famous example of a mesh topology

Advantages of a Mesh Topology

• Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.

• Supported by several hardware and software venders.

Disadvantages