What is Network Topology?

Network- is the base for everything in IT era. It’s the source for data transfer & makes the foundation for everything when setup a data centre. When we talk about computer network the first thing we would notice is the Network Topology. Network topology is nothing but a layout or we can say a design of network & the using the design the systems are connected, so that the data can be shared across the systems. The Network topology can be either physical layout or logical design. As the name implies physical topology refers to the physical design of network in which cables, devices used for networking, location of the devices, how the installation of network done are all included.Logical topology refers to the data transfer amount on the particular layout or design.

To understand the network clearly one needs to know about the various types of network topologies involved in that before jumping on the Network designing. Following helps to know more on the various kinds of Network Topologies.

The following are the various kinds of Network Topologies::

• Ring
• Star
• Bus
• Mesh
• Tree

When networks are design using multiple topologies it is called Hybrid Networks, this concept is usually utilized in complex networks were larger number of computer clients are required.

RING TOPOLOGY ::

Ring topology is one of the basic ways of connecting systems /devices in a network. Its one of the old method used for networking. Here systems /devices are connected to each other as a Ring and uses the “token” or “token ring” to grant permission for systems to communicate each other. The transfer or the data flow happens in a specified direction, either clock wise or anti-clock wise. Incase if any one of the device /system or cable fails, the entire network will be down.

STAR TOPOLOGY ::

Star topology is the modern way communication topology. It’s the most commonly used Network topology in LAN designing. This uses a central device which can be Hub, Switch, Router and the systems are connected to the devices directly using twisted pair cables. These cables can be either Unshielded or shielded twisted pair cables. The main advantage of this topology is, if any system or cable fails will not affect the entire networks, instead the particular system gets affected which has the faulty cable. But incase of the central device failure, it affects the entire systems connected to it.

BUS TOPOLOGY ::

When compare with other topologies, Bus topology is the easiest topology. Because it doesn’t requires lots of cabling. The cable used for this topology is 10Base-2 & 10BaseT. The limitation of Bus topology is it works with very limited devices. But it perfectly works fine if the number of systems connected remains below 15. And going beyond that numbers creates problems. There will be one common cable runs between the devices which is connected in linear shape. The main disadvantage of this topology is if this backbone cable gets damaged, the entire network communication between the systems goes down.

MESH TOPOLOGY ::

Routing is the concept used in mesh topology. Our internet works on the basis of mesh topology. We know in topologies like bus, star they sends messages to the entire network & the projected system accepts the message, where Mesh topology only sends the message to the destination system which finds the route with the help of the router. Here Routers play the vital role & it’s in charge of routing the message to the destination system.

TREE TOPOLOGY ::

Mixing more than one star topology results Tree topology. It’s little difficult to understand. But if we know the basics of Bus & Star then it will be easy. The advantage of tree topology is it’s dynamic in nature and has better capability of expansion when compare to other topologies.