Advantages -
• Easy to install
• Easy to add
extra workstations
• Uses less cable
than a Star network
• Best choice for
temporary networks
Disadvantages - • If there is a
problem with the central cable, the
entire network stops working • If
there are a lot of workstations on
the network, data can travel slowly.
• Data collisions can happen as the
network becomes busy • Low
security - every workstation can see
all of the data in the network
• Limited cable length and a
maximum number of workstations
Star
Advantages - • Star
networks are very reliable.
If one connection fails, it
does not affect other users
• Very few data collisions
as each workstation has its
own cable to the server
• Good security - no
workstation can interact
with another without going
through the server first
Disadvantages -• The most expensive
network layout to install because of
the amount of cables needed
• Installing the network usually needs
experts to set it up • Extra
hardware such as hubs and switches
may be needed • If the server
crashes or stops working then nobody
will be able to access their files or use
the network.
Mesh
Advantages - • Data can be
transmitted from different
devices simultaneously. This
topology can withstand high
traffic. • Even if one of the
components fails there is
always an alternative
present. So data transfer
doesn’t get affected.
• Expansion and
modification in topology can
be done without disrupting
other nodes.
Disadvantages - • There are high
chances of redundancy in many of
the network connections.
• Overall cost of this network is
way too high as compared to
other network topologies. • Set-up
and maintenance of this topology
is very difficult. Even
administration of the network is
tough.
Ring
Advantages -
• Transmission of data
is fairly simple as it only
travels in one direction
• No data collisions
• Extra computers can
be added easily with little
effect on performance -
although you have to shut
down the network to be
able to do this.
Disadvantages - • If a
single machine is
switched off, the
network doesn't work
• If a cable breaks, the
network doesn't work
• Data must pass
through every
computer until it
reaches its
destination. This can
make it slower than
other network layouts.
• If there are any
problems with the
network, they can be
difficult to identify the
cause.