Network Topologies

Objectives
Describe the basic and hybrid LAN physical
topologies, and their uses, advantages and
disadvantages.

Describe the backbone structures that form the

foundation for most LANs

CSC1202-2013 (c) Nouf AlJaffan

 Topology
Computer network topology is the way various
components of a network (like nodes, links,
peripherals, etc) are arranged.
Network topologies define the layout, virtual shape or
structure of network, not only physically but also
logically.
The way in which different systems and nodes are
connected and communicate with each other is
determined by topology of the network.
Simple Physical Topologies
Physical topology: physical layout of nodes on a
network
Four fundamental shapes:
Bus
Ring
Star
Mesh
May create hybrid topologies
Topology integral to type of network, cabling
infrastructure, and transmission media used
Why we need a topology
Choosing one topology over another can impact :
type of equipment the network needs
capabilities of the equipment
network’s growth
way a network is managed
Bus Topology
In the bus topology, the computers are connected
through a common communication media.
A special type of central wire is used as communication
media. This central wire is called Bus.
The computer are attached through the bus the ends of
the bus are closed with the terminator .
The terminators are used to absorb signals.
Bus
 Simple Physical Topologies
A Bustopology consists of a single cable—called a
backbone— connecting all nodes on a network without
intervening connectivity devices
Bus (continued)
Devices share
responsibility for getting
data from one point to
another
Terminators stop signals
after reaching end of wire
Inexpensive, not very
scalable
Difficult to troubleshoot,
not fault-tolerant
Bus
Advantages Disadvantage
Works well for small Management costs can
networks be high
Easy to install Network disruption
Relatively inexpensive when computers are
to implement added or removed
A break in the cable will
prevent all systems from
accessing the network.
Difficult to troubleshoot
 Simple Physical Topologies
Ring topology
Every computer is connected to the next computer
in the ring and each transmits what it receives from
the previous computer. The messages flow around
the ring in one direction
One method for passing data on ring networks is
token passing
Data travels around the network
Traffic flows in one direction
Slow performance
One workstation goes down; whole network goes
down
Network is highly dependent
Ring
Ring
Advantages Disadvantage
Cable faults are easily  Expensive
located, making  Requires more cable and
troubleshooting easier network equipment at the
Ring networks are start
 Expansion to the network
moderately easy to
install can cause network
disruption
 A single break in the cable
can disrupt the entire
network
Star
 Simple Physical Topologies
Star topology
Every node on the network is connected through a central device called hub or switch.
 The configuration provides a more reliable network that is easily expended. With star
there is no central point of failure in the cable .if there is a problem with the cable only
the station connected to that cable is affected.
 Star (continued)
Any single cable connects only two devices
Requires more cabling than ring or bus networks
More fault-tolerant
Easily moved, isolated, or interconnected with other
networks
Scalable
Supports max of 1024 addressable nodes on logical
network
Star
Advantages Disadvantage
Good option for modern Hub is a single point of
networks failure
Low startup costs Requires more cable
Easy to manage
than the bus
Offers opportunities for
expansion
Most popular topology
in use; wide variety of
equipment available
Mesh
Simple Physical Topologies
Mesh Topology: Each computer connects to every
other.
High level of redundancy.
Rarely used.
 Wiring is very complicated
 Cabling cost is high
 Troubleshooting a failed cable is tricky
 A variation hybrid mesh – create point to point
connection between specific network devices, often
seen in WAN implementation.
Mesh
Advantages Disadvantage
Robust  Requires more cable than
There is the advantage of the other LAN topologies
 Complicated
privacy or security
The network can be implementation
Installation and
expanded without reconnection are difficult.
disruption to current uses Sheer bulk of wiring can be
Point to point links make greater than the available
fault identification and space can accommodate
Expensive
fault isolation easy
CSC1202-2013 (c) Nouf AlJaffan
 Hybrid Physical Topologies
• One example of Hybrid Topology is Tree topology
• Tree topology is a combination of Bus and Star topology.
• It consists of groups of star-configured workstations connected to a
linear bus backbone cable.
• If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down
• An example of this network could be cable TV technology
Choosing a Topology
 BUS
 network is small
 network will not be frequently reconfigured
 least expensive solution is required
 network is not expected to grow much
 STAR
 it must be easy to add/remove PCs
 it must be easy to troubleshoot
 network is large
 network is expected to grow in the future
 RING
 network must operate reasonably under heavy load
 higher speed network is required
 network will not be frequently reconfigured