ICT Network Topologies

ICT Network Topologies

1. Ring Topology

   • Ring network which is aslo a peer-to-peer as there is no server.
   • With the ring topology
     • All computres are arranged in a circle.
     • Data sent by one computer passes around the ring until it reaches the correct computer.
   • Advantages.
     • The network is not dependent on a central computer.
     • Each computer has the same access as the others.
   • Disadvantages.
     • If there is a break in the connection (wire or wireless) then the whole network fails.
     • Faults are difficult to locate.
     • Impossible to keep the network running whilst equipment is added or removed as there is only one path for the data to follow.

2. What is a topology

   • Devices in a network that are set up in different ways.
   • Network topology shows how the computers are connect when wires are used and if wireless is used, it shows how the devices in the network communicate with each other.
   • Examples:
     • Ring
     • Bus
     • Star

3. Bus topology

   • With the bus topology
     • All the devices connected to the network are connected to a common shared cable called the backbone.
     • Signals are passed in either direction along the backbone.
   • Advantages
     • Cost effective due to small amount of cable required.
     • Easy to install as simple cables are used.
     • Easy to add extra devices to network.
   • Disadvantges
     • If more then 12 devices are connect to the network, then the network performance is degraded.
     • If there is a break in the backbone cable then the network cannot be used.

4. Star Topology

   • With the star topology
     • Star topology uses a central connection point to connect all the devices on the network together.
     • The central connection point can be a hub, a switch or a router.
   • Advantages
     • Fault tolerant
     • Load tolerant
     • Easy to add extra computers
   • Disadvantage
     • Higher costings
     • If the device at the center of the network fails then the whole network will fail.

5. Wireless Networking

   • Computers are now able to connect to the internet or communitcate with other local areas network wirelessly.
   • Wireless communication, the data is transfer medium is the air through which the radio waves travel.
   • Wireless networks allow people toconnect to the internet and LAN wirelessly.
   • Wireless connection allows people who travel to access the internet or LAN freely.
   • Advantage
     • Allows cost effective LANS to be set up without network.
     • Portable
     • Ideal for networks in listed buldings where cbales cannot be installed.
     • Global set of standards cna use WI-FI all over the world
   • Disadvanatges
     • Power consumption is high
     • Health problems when using the WI-FI
     • Security problems even when encryption is used
     • Limited range in home networks

6. Mesh Topology

   • What it is
     • A network set up where each computer and network device is interconnected with one another
     • Allowing for most of the transmissions to be distributed even if one of the connections go down
     • Most commonly used for wireless networks
   • Advantages
     • Can manage high amounts of traffic
     • A failure in one device does not cause a break in the network
     • Adding additional devices does not cause a disrupt in the network transmission
   • Disadvantages
     • The cost to implement is higher then any other topologies
     • building and maintaining the topology is difficult and time consuming
     • The chance of redundant connections is high
     • Add to the highs costs and reduced efficiency