Network+Topologies

=**Network Topologies** =

As we have, learn there a different Types of Networks, now lets look at the logical aspects of networks and how data moves.

// Bus Topology //
This is the most basic of the topologies. The first networks created look like this. They are easy to setup but they have a few drawbacks. As you can see in the diagram below, all the computers are connected to a single cable. This means that the media capacity is shared across all computers, which can cause speed problems. Another drawback is that if there were problems with the media the whole network will collapse. This type of network is rarely used today.



// Ring Topology //
In a ring topology each computer is connected to the nearest computers to form a ring. Data is transmitted in a clockwise pattern (only one direction). This was a reliable topology because only one computer could communicate at one time avoiding collisions and lost of data. It didn't come without its drawbacks though. One of them was speed, since only one computer had access to the media the rest of the network had to wait for the delivery of the package. Another drawback was that if one computer failed the whole network collapsed. Because of this problems ring topology is rarely used today also.

Example of a Ring Topology:



// Star Topology //
This is the type of topology that you most probably will encounter in many companies today. It offers speed, scalability and is fault-tolerant. All the computers are connected to a central device like a switch or hub. If a computer or media were to fail the rest of the network can continue communicating. They do require more cable and configuration than the bus and start topology but drawbacks don't surpass its advantages.

Example of a Star Topology: