Networking

Networking

1. Network topologies

   • Bus topology
     • Advantages
       • easy to install
       • cheap to install, as it doesn’t require much cable
       • Easiest network topology for connecting computers or peripherals in a linear fashion
       • Requires less cable length than a star topology
     • Disadvantages
       • if the main cable fails or gets damaged the whole network will fail
       • as more workstations are connected the performance of the network will become slower because of data collisions
       • every workstation on the network "sees" all of the data on the network – this is a security risk
   • Ring topology
     • Advantages
       • All data flows in one direction, reducing the chance of packet collisions
       • A network server is not needed to control network connectivity between each workstation.
       • Data can transfer between workstations at high speeds.
       • Additional workstations can be added without impacting performance of the network.
     • Disadvantages
       • If the main cable fails or any device is faulty then the whole network will fail.
       • All data being transferred over the network must pass through each workstation on the network, which can make it
       • The entire network will be impacted if one workstation shuts down.
       • The hardware needed to connect each workstation to the network is more expensive than Ethernet cards and hubs/switches.
   • Star topology

2. Data speeds

   • bites per minute
   • Mega-bites per minute
   • Giga-bites per minute