Network Topology

Introduction To Network Topology

Hello its me again, Peter. Today, I'm going to talk about network topology. So, What Is Network Topology? Basically, Network Topology is the arrangement of the various elements of a communication network. Apparently, it is the topological structure of a network and may be depicted physically or logically. Physical topology is the placement of the various components of a network, including device location and cable installation, while logical topology illustrates how data flows within a network. Distances between nodes, physical interconnections, transmission rates or signal types may differ between two networks, yet their topologies may be identical. Okay enough for the long introducion. Let's move to the next one. 😝

Types of Network Topologies

Maybe some of you don't know that there are 3 types of network topology. It's okay I will help you. For your information, the three types of network topology are Bus Topology, Star Topology, and Ring Topology. I will explain these topologies to you one by one. 👼

Bus Topology

In bus topology, each node is connected to a single cable, by the help of interface connectors. This central cable is the backbone of the network and is know as the bus. A signal from the source travels in both directions to all machines connected on the bus cable until it finds the intended recipient. If the machine adress does not match the intended address for the data, the machine ignores the data. Alternatively, if the data matches the machine address, the data is accepted because the bus topology consists of only one wire, it is rather inexpensive to implement when compared to other topologies. However, the low cost of implementing the technology is offset by the high cost of managing the network. Additionally, because only one cable is utilized, it can be the single point of failure. In this topology data being transferred may be accessed by any workstation.

As you can see the central cable is known as backbone

Star Topology

While, in star topology, each network host is connected to a central hub with a point-to-point connection. So, it can be said that every computer is indirectly connected to every other node with the help of the hub. In Star topology, every node (computer workstation or any other peripheral) is connected to a central node called hub, router or switch. The switch is the server and the peripherals are the clients. The network does not necessarily have to resemble a star to be classified as a star network, but all of the nodes on the network must be connected to one central device. All traffic that traverses the network passes through the central hub. The hub acts as a signal repeater. The star topology is considered the easiest topology to design and implement.

Ring Topology

In Ring Topology, Data travels around the ring in one direction. When one node sends data to another, the data passes through each intermediate node on the ring until it reaches its destination. The intermediate nodes repeat (re transmit) the data to keep the signal strong. Every node is a peer; there is no hierarchical relationship of clients and servers. If one node is unable to re transmit data, it severs communication between the nodes before and after it in the bus.

 I think this would be enough for the introduction and if you guys want to ask me some questions just comments below and i will try to reply it as soon as possible. Thank you and have a great day.