Networks: Types and Topologies

Networks: Types and Topologies

1. Topologies

   • Star
     • More expensive than others
     • Reliable, if one is broken, network continues
   • Ring
     • More affordable than star
     • Data flows in one direction; if cable breaks, the network fails
   • Bus
     • More expensive than ring, less expensive than star
     • Data flows both ways; central cable is key

2. Types

   • Local Area Network
     • All networked on the same site
     • Direct link connecting computer (cables or wireless)
   • Wide Area Network
     • Computers anywhere in the world connected
     • Connected by telephone network or satellites
     • e.g. The Internet
   • Peer to Peer
     • All computers equal
     • No server, shared data between computers
   • Client Server
     • Share resources from server
     • One computer server, other clients

Images and files in the map