NETWORK TOPOLOGY

What is Network Topology?

Network Topology - refers to layout of a network. How different nodes in a network are connected to each other and how they communicate is determined by the network's topology. Network Topology refers to the layout of a network and how different nodes in a network are connected to each other and how they communicate.

       TYPES OF NETWORK TOPOLOGY

1.  Linear Bus Topology - is a type of network topology in which each device is connected one after the other in a sequential chain.  




Advantages of Linear Bus Topology:
1.  It is easy to connect a device to the network.
2. It is cheaper than other network options.
3. The failure of one station does not affect the rest of the network.
4. No hubs or switches are required.
5. Extensions can be made to the network.
6. Multiple nodes can be installed without difficulty.
7. Wiring terminators take no power requirements.
8. Multiple peripherals can be supported through bus topology.

Disadvantages of Linear Bus Topology:
1. Additional devices slow the network down.
2. Size limitations are always present.
3. Security options are limited with bus topology.
4. Maintenance costs are higher.
5. A break in the backbone can cause an entire network to collapse.
6. The quality of the data is placed at-risk on large bus topology setups.
7.  Bus termination issues can lead to network issues.
8. The computers may share data, but they don’t communicate.




2. Star Topology - is a topology for a Local Area Network (LAN) in which all nodes are individually connected to a central connection point, like a hub or a switch.


Advantages of Star Topology:
1. As compared to Bus topology it gives far much better performance, signals don’t necessarily get transmitted to all the workstations. 
2. Easy to connect new nodes or devices. In star topology new nodes can be added easily without affecting rest of the network. Similarly components can also be removed easily.

3. Centralized management. It helps in monitoring the network.
4. Failure of one node or link doesn’t affect the rest of network.

Disadvantages of Star Topology:

1.  Too much dependency on central device has its own drawbacks. If it fails whole network goes down.
2. The use of hub, a router or a switch as central device increases the overall cost of the network.
3. Performance and as well number of nodes which can be added in such topology is depended on capacity of central device.

3. Ring Topology - is a network configuration in which device connections create a circular data path. Each networked device is connected to two others, like points on a circle.

Advantages of Ring Topology:
1. All data flows in one direction, reducing the chance of packet collisions.
2. A network server is not needed to control network connectivity between each workstation.
3. Data can transfer between workstations at high speeds.
4. Additional workstations can be added without impacting performance of the network.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology:
1. All data being transferred over the network must pass through each workstation on the network, which can make it slower than a star topology.
2. The entire network will be impacted if one workstation shuts down.
3. The hardware needed to connect each workstation to the network is more expensive than Ethernet cards and hubs/switches.



4. Mesh Topology - a partially connected mesh topology. In a full mesh topology, every computer in the network has a connection to each of the other computers in that network.

Advantages of Mesh Topology:
1. Manages high amounts of traffic, because multiple devices can transmit data simultaneously.
2. A failure of one device does not cause a break in the network or transmission of data.
3. Adding additional devices does not disrupt data transmission between other devices.

Disadvantages of Mesh Topology:
1 The cost to implement is higher than other network topology , making it a less desirable option.
2. Building and maintaining the topology is difficult and time consuming.
3. The chance of redundant connections is high, which adds to the high costs and potential for reduced efficiency.



5. Hybrid Topology - is a type of network topology that uses two or more differing network topologies. These topologies include a mix of bus topology, mesh topology, ring topology, star topology, and tree topology.

Advantages of Hybrid Topology:
1. Hybrid network combines the benefits of different types of topologies. 
2. Can be modified as per requirement
3. It is extremely flexible.
4. It is very reliable.
5. It is easily scalable

Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology:
1. It is expensive
2. The design of a hybrid network is complex.
3. Hardware changes are required in order to connect topology to another topology.

Reference:
https://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/topologies.asp ( Network Topology )
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/l/linear-bus-topology.htm ( Linear Bus Topology )
https://vittana.org/17-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-bus-topology ( Advantages & Disadvantages of Linear Bus Topology )
http://www.telecomabc.com/s/star.html ( Star Topology )
http://www.omnisecu.com/basic-networking/network-topologies-star-topology.php ( Advantages& Disadvantages of Star Topology )
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/r/ringtopo.htm ( Ring Topology )
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/r/ringtopo.htm (Advantages & Disadvantages of Ring Topology )
https://www.link-labs.com/blog/what-is-mesh-topology ( Mesh Topology )
https://fossbytes.com/what-is-mesh-topology-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-mesh-topology/ ( Advantages & disadvantages of Mesh Topology )
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/h/hybrtopo.htm ( Hybrid Topology )
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/h/hybrtopo.htm ( Advantages and Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology )