computing

computing

1. nodes

   • Any device connected to a network is referred to as a node. All nodes are connected to the network either by a wire or wirelessly.

2. star topology

   • definition
     • All nodes indirectly connect to each other through a switch, hub or router. The switch acts as a central point through which all communications are passed.
   • advantages
     • a failure of one node or its connection does not affect any other nodes
     • new nodes can be added to the network easily by connecting them to the switch
   • disadvantages
     • wired star networks can be expensive if you need to connect lots of devices
     • the whole network is affected if the central point fails because no node can communicate

3. mesh topology

   • definition
     • In a mesh topology there is no central connection point. Each node is connected to at least one other node (usually to more than one). A node is capable of sending communications to and receiving communications from other nodes. The nodes pass on communications until they reach their final destination. There are two types of mesh topology: full mesh topology and partial mesh topology
   • advantages
     • communications can be received more quickly if the route to the intended recipient is short
     • communications should always get through as there are many possible routes
   • disadvantages
     • many connections would mean a lot more maintenance is needed
     • many connections would be expensive to implement