What is Topology? Types of Topology

What is Topology?

⇒The physical arrangement of the computer system/node, which is connected to each other via communication medium  is called topology.

How many types of Topology?

⇒There are six types of topology-

1. BUS TOPOLOGY:  A bus topology consists of a main run of cable with a terminator at each end. All nodes (file server workstations and and peripherals) are connected to the linear cable.

● Advantages of Bus Topology: 

* It is very easy process.

* it is best suited for small networks.

* It is not costly.

● Disadvantages of Bus Topology:

* The cable length is limited and this limits the number of station that can be connected.

* this network topology is not to be secured.

2. RING TOPOLOGY: It's called ring topology because it forms a ring. In this topology each nodes is strongly connected with it's adjacent node.

● Advantages of Ring Topology:

* It forms a strong network.

* Each an every node can share data with another node connected through a ring topology

* Transmission rate of data is very speed.

* The data send through ring topology will be broadcast.

● Disadvantages of Ring Topology:

* It's very difficult task to add some new device.

* If we want to send data from a source to destination machine then data will un-necessary passed to all nodes.

* Single point of failure, that means if a node goes down entire network goes down.

* We can't send any private messages.

3. MESH TOPOLOGY: In this topology each and every nodes are directly connected with each other, so we can directly send the data to the destination machine without going to intermediate machine.

● Advantages of Mesh Topology:

* It's very good topology to send the private messages.

* All nodes are directly associated with another node, so it provide point to point connection.

* Unlike ring topology, if a particular machine is failed then entire network will not fail.

* Multiple devices can send or receive data at the same time.

● Disadvantages of Mesh Topology:

* It's very difficult to add some new node because each an every device directly connected with another one.

* If a particular machine not working then we can't send or receive data from the failure machine.

* With numerous interconnection, maintenance can become more time consuming and labor intensive. Any changes to the network's configuration or the addition/removal of devices require careful consideration to avoid disruptions.

4. STAR TOPOLOGY: In star topology all the nodes are connected with a central device call HUB and the sharing of data is only possible through HUB.

● Advantages of Star Topology:

* It broadcast the messages.

* It's less expensive due to less cable.

* Easy to connect new nodes without affecting rest of the network.

* If one node is failed then it would not be failure of entire network.

● Disadvantages of Star Topology:

* In star topology we must required a network device like HUB, SWITCH, ROUTER etc.

* If two nodes want to share the data sharing is only possible through HUB.

* If HUB is failed the entire network will be failed.

* We can't send private data.

5. HYBRID TOPOLOGY: Hybrid topology is a network topology that combines two or more different topologies, like star, bus, ring or mesh, to create a more robust and flexible network infrastructure.

● Advantages of Hybrid Topology:

* The combination of multiple topologies provides redundancy, reducing the risk of complete network failure.

* Different segments of the network can be isolated for improved security and management.

* Hybrid topologies can accommodate various types of devices and network requirements effectively.

● Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology:

* Implementing multiple topologies may require additional networking equipment and cabling, leading to higher costs. 

* Troubleshooting and maintaining a hybrid network can be more challenging due to its mixed structure.

* Combining different topologies can make the network design and management more complex.

6. TREE TOPOLOGY: In this topology all the nodes are connected like a branches of tree. The combination of bus and star topology is called tree topology.

● Advantages of Tree Topology:

* It's easily scalable, allowing the addition of more devices and sub-networks without affecting the entire network.

* Different segments can be isolated for improved security and management.

● Disadvantages of Tree Topology:

* Tree topology may require more cabling and networking equipment, leading to higher cost.

* Troubleshooting and maintaining tree topology can be more challenging, especially in large networks.

   Each topology has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of topology depends on factors like the network size, required scalability, fault tolerance, cost considerations, and the specific needs of the network environment.