Topology
Network topology is the manner in which the connections and networking devices of a network are arranged to coordinate with each other in order to share computer resources.
There are mainly five types of networking topologies.
Let us discuss those one by one
Mesh Topology
Let us discuss about mesh topology
Each and every device in mesh topology is connected to one and another over the network through a dedicated fast point to point connection.
When we use the word dedicated that means the connection only carries data for those two connected devices only.
Let us talk about the benefit of mesh topology
In case of any failure or interruption of connection it can be easily identified the exact cause of fault for that interruption and that fault will not stop the communication of whole network so the interruption will only limit to the faulty area of the network.
Assume the cable which is connected between the PC-1 and PC-2 has falter then only those two computers will not able to send data between each other but other nodes will be actively connected to the network and can communicates with all other nodes.
Mesh tropology is quite secure as all the connecting ports are dedicated with point to point connections; therefore unauthorized access of traffics are restricted over these type of networks.
Now let us talk about the limitations of mesh topology
Let us assume that we have five computers in the network then each computer must be connected with four other computers of that same network.
Therefore each of the computers in that network needs to have four connection ports for connecting those computers of that particular network.
So in the mesh topology it is quite difficult to build a large setup.
It is not possible in the mesh topology to add a new device with the existence setup to do that all other devices in that network need to be connected with the cable as well as the connection ports.
Star Topology
Let us discuss about star topology
If we consider the design of star topology all networking devices are connected to a central device called hub or switch to establish a particular networking setup. Unlike the earlier explained about mesh topology, star topology does not allow direct point to point connection between devices.
All devices must have to communicate through the central hub or switch. If one device wants to send data to other device then it has to first send the data to the central hub and then the central hub transmit that data to the designated device.
Let us discuss about its benefits
As unlike the mesh topology we do not require to establish point to point connection; that is why only one cable is required to connect one device to the network. In this way we can eliminate the cost of additional cables and I/O interfaces unlike the mesh topology where n-1 numbers of cables and I/O ports are require building a network.
We can easily add new device to the existing network without disturbing the setup of other devices connected to that network.
Now let us discuss about its limitations
If one cable gets loose then that device will not able to communicate with other devices across the network and if the central hub fails then all networking devices which are connected to it will stop communicating across the whole network.
Therefore the cost of establishing star topology is cheaper compare to mesh tropology and it is easy to detect fault in the network like the mesh topology itself but it is fully dependent on the central hub.
Bus Topology
Let us discuss about bus topology
There is a main cable in bus topology and all the networking devices are connected to the main cable through drop lines and a device called tap that connects the drop line over the main backbone cable; therefore all data is transmitted from sender ends to the receiver ends over that main cable.
Let us discuss about its benefits
It is quite easy to install; just those drop line cables are needed to be connected with backbone cable and much less cables are required in compare to mesh topology; so these type of networks are less expensive.
Now let us discuss about its limitations
It is quite difficult to detect the specific area of fault if arise in the network because there are many taps which connect the drop line over the backbone cable.
These networks are not scalable as there is a limit in the number of nodes to be connected with single backbone cable; so it is difficult to extend the existing network with more networking devices.
Ring Topology
If you see in ring topology each computer is connected with other two computers on either sides of it.
Each computer has two dedicated point to point connections with other two computers on either sides of it.
All the computers are connected in this network looks like a ring that is why; it is known as ring topology.
In this network when a computer wants to send data to another computer then the data moves only towards one direction; all the computers in ring topology has a repeater; if the received data is not intended for that particular computer then the repeater forwards this data towards next computer until the data reaches the intended computer.
Let us discuss about its benefits
It is easy to install as only two cables are required to be connected with a repeater in each computer.
Ring topology is also easy to manage compare to mesh topology because to add or remove a computer from the existing topology only two links are required to be changed.
Now let us discuss about its limitations
In this network single link failure can hamper the entire network communication as the data will not travel forward due to failure of certain connection point as because the data in ring topology only moves in one direction.
In this topology it is quite common to face data traffic issues; since all the data is circulating in single ring towards one direction.
Hybrid Topology
Let us discuss about hybrid topology
By the name hybrid; it is to be understood that hybrid topology is the combination of two or more topology in a particular networking setup.
Let assume about a network where some computers are connected to a central hub to form a star topology and in same network another connection point has been extended to join the bus topology to make it a hybrid topology as a whole.
Let us discuss about the benefits
In a particular network it can be used combination of topologies as per the requirements of different sections of organization; therefore it opens up more opportunities for the intended users; if scalability is the concern for a group of users then the star topology can be used and if secure dedicated connection is required for another group of users in that same organization then mesh topology can be used with the combination of star topology in other part of the organization.
Therefore it is scalable as we can further connect another network setup with the existing network having different topology.
Now let us discus about the limitations
Installation of a hybrid topology is never going to be an easy task and in hybrid topology fault detection is very difficult because of being a combination of different topologies.
Designing of this topology is quite complex so maintenance of this networking setup is highly expensive.
What is Star Topology in Computer Network What is Ring Topology in Computer Network What is Network Topology in Computer What is Network Topology and its Types What is Mesh Topology in Computer Network What is Hybrid Topology in Computer Network What is Bus Topology in Computer Network What are the 5 Network Topologies Types of Network Topology with Diagram Network Topology Types Network Topology in Computer Network Network Topology and its Types What is Star Topology in Computer Network What is Ring Topology in Computer Network What is Network Topology in Computer What is Network Topology and its Types What is Mesh Topology in Computer Network What is Hybrid Topology in Computer Network What is Bus Topology in Computer Network What are the 5 Network Topologies Types of Network Topology with Diagram Network Topology Types Network Topology in Computer Network Network Topology and its Types What is Star Topology in Computer Network What is Ring Topology in Computer Network What is Network Topology in Computer What is Network Topology and its Types What is Mesh Topology in Computer Network What is Hybrid Topology in Computer Network What is Bus Topology in Computer Network What are the 5 Network Topologies Types of Network Topology with Diagram Network Topology Types Network Topology in Computer Network Network Topology and its Types