NETWORK TOPOLOGIES

NETWORK TOPOLOGIES

In networking, the term network topology refers to a layout of connected devices on a network. One can think of a topology as a network's "shape".
Following are the basic network topologies.

BUS TOPOLOGY

Bus networks use a common backbone to connect all the devices. A single cable, the backbone function as a shared communication medium, that devices attach or tap into with an interface connector. A device wanting to communicate with another device on the network broadcast message onto the wire that all other devices see, but only the intended recipient actually accepts and processes the message.

 RING TOPOLOGY

In ring topology, 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.

STAR TOPOLOGY

Many home networks use the star topology. A star  network features a central connection point called a "HUB" that may be actual hub or a switch. All the computers in star topology attached with the hub.

 

TREE TOPOLOGY

Tree topology integrate multiple star topologies together onto a bus. In its simplest form, only hub devices connect directly to the tree bus, and each hub functions as the "root" of a tree of devices.

MESH TOPOLOGY

Mesh topology involve the concept of routes. Unlike each of the previous topologies, message sent on a mesh network can take any of several possible paths from source to destination. In this topology every computer is directly connected to every other computer on the network.