Topologies

Topologies

1. Ring

   • Devices are arranged in a circle
   • Each computer is responsible for passing the message on
   • A packet called a 'token' passes from one computer to the next
   • If a computer has data to send, it modifies the token
   • The recieving device acknowledges safe delievery to the sender
   • Guarantees a computer can send a message as there's no need to wait

2. Bus

   • Has a single backbone cable and all the devices are attached to it
   • Terminators stop the signal from bouncing back at the end of the cable
   • When a message is sent, it's divided into chunks and sent both ways along the cable
   • All computers of the network receive the signal
     • Only the one the signal is addressed to accepts it
   • All the computers share the cable so only one computer can transmit at a time
     • Computers might have to wait if the network is busy which can make the network unusable
   • Very simple to set up
   • Only suitable for very small networks

3. Star

   • Most common network setup
   • All connections are connected to a central device (E.g: a switch)
   • Installation is labour intensive (laying cables)
     • Skilled job to wire up the topology
   • Performs faster than a bus
   • If part of the netork is damaged, the whole network won't necessarily be affected