Network topology is the layout of the various elements (nodes, links, etc.) of a computer network and how they connect to each other. There are several common types of network topologies, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
In this tutorial, we will discuss the most popular network topologies, their usage, advantages, disadvantages, and examples.
Types of Topology
- Bus Topology
- Ring Topology
- Star Topology
- Mesh Topology
- Tree Topology
- Hybrid Topology
Bus Topology
Bus topology is a type of network topology in which all devices are connected to a single cable, called the bus or backbone.
- The bus cable runs throughout the entire network, connecting all devices together.
- A terminator is placed at each end of the bus to prevent signal reflection.
Usage:
- Bus topology is typically used in small networks and can be useful for connecting computers in a lab or office.
Advantages:
- It is simple and easy to set up.
- It is inexpensive compared to other types of topologies.
- It allows easy expansion of the network by simply adding more devices to the bus.
Disadvantages:
- The entire network can go down if the bus cable is damaged or disconnected.
- It can become congested with heavy traffic, leading to slow data transfer rates.
- Limited cable length and the number of devices that can be connected.
Examples:
Bus topology can be found in Local Area Networks (LANs) such as Ethernet networks in homes, small offices, and schools.
Ring Topology
A ring topology is a type of network topology in which all devices are connected in a circular fashion, with data flowing in one direction.
- Each device on the ring is connected to two other devices, creating a closed loop.
- Data is passed from one device to the next, in a specific direction, until it reaches its destination.
Usage:
- Ring topology is used in medium-sized networks where a central hub or switch is not necessary.
- It is often used in Token Ring networks.
Advantages:
- It is easy to set up and manage.
- It is less prone to failure since if one device fails, the rest of the network can still function.
- It allows for a higher data transfer rate than a bus topology.
Disadvantages:
- If the ring is broken, the entire network will fail.
- The addition or removal of a device can disrupt the entire network.
- A limited number of devices can be connected.
Examples:
- Ring topology can be found in Token Ring networks, which were once commonly used in office environments.
- Fibre Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) networks also use ring topology to connect computers and servers in a large organization.
Star Topology
- In this type of topology, all devices are connected to a central hub or switch.
- Each device has its own dedicated point-to-point link to the central hub, so if one device goes down, it does not affect the others.
Usage:
- Star topology is commonly used in home and small office networks.
- It is also widely used in networks requiring central control, such as in a building's security system or in industrial control systems.
Advantages:
- It is easy to set up and manage.
- The central hub acts as a network bottleneck, so if one device fails, it does not affect the rest of the network.
- It allows for easy expansion of the network by simply adding more devices to the central hub.
Disadvantages:
- If the central hub fails, the entire network will fail.
- It can be more expensive to set up compared to other topologies.
- It requires more cable compared to other topologies.
Examples:
- Star topology can be found in home networks where a router acts as the central hub, connecting all devices such as computers, smartphones, and printers.
- It is also found in Ethernet networks, where a switch acts as the central hub.
- Many commercial buildings and factories use star topology in their security and surveillance systems, where the central hub is a dedicated computer or server that controls and monitors all the cameras in the building.
Mesh Topology
- In this type of topology, every device is connected to every other device in the network.
- Each device has multiple connections to other devices, creating multiple paths for data to travel.
Usage:
- Mesh topology is used in large and complex networks where reliability and high availability are essential.
- It is also used in critical infrastructure such as military and emergency communication systems.
Advantages:
- It provides multiple paths for data to travel, so if one path is down, data can still be transmitted via another path.
- It can handle high traffic loads and is less prone to failure.
- It allows for easy expansion of the network by simply adding more devices.
Disadvantages:
- It can be expensive to set up and maintain due to the large number of connections required.
- It can be difficult to troubleshoot and diagnose problems in the network.
- It requires a high level of technical expertise to set up and manage.
Examples:
- Mesh topology can be found in wireless networks such as Wi-Fi mesh networks, where multiple access points are connected to create a seamless wireless network.
- It is also used in military communication systems and emergency communication networks to ensure reliable communication in times of crisis.
- In transportation systems, mesh topologies are used in GPS navigation systems of vehicles to find the shortest path to a destination.
Tree Topology
- In this type of topology, a central hub is connected to multiple devices in a hierarchical fashion, similar to a tree structure.
- There can be multiple levels of branching, with the central hub at the top and the branches becoming smaller as they go down.
Usage:
- Tree topology is used in large networks where a central hub is needed to control and manage the network.
- It can be used to connect multiple LANs together.
Advantages:
- It allows for easy expansion of the network by simply adding more branches.
- It provides a clear hierarchy and organization to the network.
- It allows for central control and management of the network.
Disadvantages:
- If the central hub fails, the entire network will fail.
- The network can become congested with heavy traffic.
- It requires more cable compared to other topologies.
Examples:
- Tree topology can be found in wide area networks (WANs) where a central hub connects multiple LANs together.
- It is also used in cable television networks, where a central hub connects to multiple branches that go out to individual homes.
- Some enterprise networks also use tree topology where multiple switches are connected to a central router.
Hybrid Topology
- In this type of topology, multiple types of network topologies are combined to create a more complex network.
- It is a combination of two or more basic topologies like bus, star, ring, mesh, tree, etc.
Usage:
- Hybrid topology is used in large and complex networks where multiple types of connections are required.
- It allows for a combination of the strengths of different topologies to create a more robust and reliable network.
Advantages:
- It provides the best of both worlds, combining the strengths of different topologies to create a more robust and reliable network.
- It allows for central control and management of the network.
- It allows for easy expansion of the network by simply adding more devices.
Disadvantages:
- It can be difficult to troubleshoot and diagnose problems in the network.
- It requires a high level of technical expertise to set up and manage.
- It can be expensive to set up and maintain.
Examples:
- Hybrid topology can be found in large enterprise networks where a combination of different topologies is required to meet the needs of the organization.
- It is also used in large-scale data centers where a combination of different topologies is used to connect servers and storage systems.
- Some wireless networks also use hybrid topologies that combine mesh and star topologies to create a robust and reliable wireless network.
