Topologies

Topologies

1. The layout of the network - cabling and position of nodes

2. Bus Toplogy

   • Nodes attached to a single backbone
     • Terminator attached to each end to prevent reflection of signals
       • Signals can travel in either direction
   • Disadvantages
     • Limited distance
     • Backbone problems can bring down whole network
     • Many data collisions slow network dow
   • Advantages
     • Easy to set up
     • Cheap

3. Ring Toplogy

   • Data passes through each node carried in units called tokens
     • Traffic is one- way to prevent collisions
   • Advantages
     • Very fast, no collisions
   • Disadvantages
     • Problems with backbone can bring down whole network
     • Vunerable to malfunctions because data passes through every node

4. Star Topology

   • Client machines connected to a central switch/hub (connected to one or more servers)
     • Signals travel in either direction
   • Advantages
     • Robust (connection problems don't affect whole network)
     • Fewer data collisions, faster (than bus)
   • Disadvantages
     • Needs more expertise to maintain
     • Can be expensive to set up
       • More building work involved
       • More network hardware and software needed

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