1_Network Topologies

1_Network Topologies

1. Ring Topology

   • In a ring network, each computer is connected to the ones either side of it. Data is sent in one direction around the ring until it finds the computer it was sent to.
     • In a ring network each computer is connected to the ones either side of it. Data is sent in one direction around the ring until it finds the computer it was sent to. 
   • Advantages
     • This type of network is very organised. Each node gets to send the data when it receives an empty token. This helps to reduce chances of collision. Also, in the ring topology, all the traffic flows in only one direction at very high speed
     • Even when the load on the network increases, its performance is better than that of Bus topology
     • Additional components do not affect the performance of network
   • Disadvantages
     • Each packet of data must pass through all the computers between source and destination. This makes it slower than star topology
     • If one workstation or port goes down, the entire network gets affected
     • Network is highly dependant on the wire which connects different components

2. Star Topology

   • In a star network, each computer is connected to a central device which coordinates all the traffic
   • Advantages
     • Gives much better performance than bus
     • Easy to connect new nodes or devices
     • Failure of one node or link does not affect the rest of the network
   • Disadvantages
     • Too much dependency on central device has its own drawbacks. If it fails, the whole network goes down
     • The use of hub, a router or a switch as central device increases the overall cost of the network
     • Performance and as well number of nodes which can be added in such topology is depended on capacity of central device

3. Bus topology

   • In a bus network, each computer is connected to a single cable and data can travel in both directions along this cable like a bus route
   • Advantages
     • It works well when you have a small network
     • Easiest network topology for connecting computers or peripherals in a linear fashion
     • Requires less cable length than a star topology
   • Disadvantages
     • Difficult to identify the problems if the whole network goes down
     • It can be hard to troubleshoot individual device issues
     • Not great for large networks

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