Topologies

Topologies

1. What is a topology?

   • A topology is the arrangement of nodes in a network that are all connected together. All of these nodes are either devices or routers/switches/hub.
   • There are many types of topologies, such as star and mesh. Star and mesh are the most common out of all of the topologies
   • Topologies function using nodes, nodes refer to any device that is connected to that network. They are either connected by wire or wirelessly

2. Star Topology

   • In a star topology, all the nodes are connected to a central node. This central node is either a hub, switch or router. All communication must pass through this node and if that central node breaks, the whole network is stopped.
   • At home, your computer network is probably in a star topology. A router with a wireless access point (WAP) provides the central connection for all nodes.

3. Full Mesh Topology

   • In a mesh topology, all the nodes are connected to one another. There is no central node and all the nodes can send and receive communications from one another.
     • Partial Mesh Topology
       • A partial mesh is a mesh network, the difference is that not all of the nodes are connected to each other, but it is easier and cheaper to set up.
   • A full mesh topology is different to a partial mesh topology. The way this is, is due to all of the nodes connected to every single node. No node is unconnected to a node. This is beneficial because the nodes can all communicate along many individual routes.

4. Disadvantages

   • Star Topology - If the central node breaks, the whole network stops.
   • Star Topology - wired star networks can be expensive if you need to connect lots of devices
   • Mesh Topology - many connections would mean a lot more maintenance is needed
   • Mesh Topology - many connections would be expensive to implement

5. Advantages

   • Star Topology - Star topologies are cheap and easy to create
   • Star Topology - If a node breaks (Other than the central node) then the network can still run fine.
   • Star Topology - New nodes can easily be added by connecting them to the switch.
   • Star Topology - Fewer data collisions
   • Mesh Topology - communications can be received more quickly if the route to the intended recipient is short
   • Mesh Topology - as there are multiple connections and no central node, a node should not become isolated
   • Mesh Topology - communications should always get through as there are many possible routes
   • Mesh Topology - multiple connections mean that each node can transmit to and receive from more than one node at the same time

6. Partial Mesh Topology

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