Network topology types (Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Hybrid, Logical, Physical) | TechTerms

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive overview of network topology, explaining its significance in computer networking. It distinguishes between physical and logical topology and details five main types: bus, star, ring, mesh, and hybrid. Each topology is analyzed for its structure, advantages, and disadvantages. The bus topology uses a shared central cable, while the star topology connects devices to a central hub, offering better fault tolerance. Ring topology allows data to circulate in one direction, reducing collisions, while mesh topology enhances security with direct links. The hybrid topology combines elements of the others, tailored to specific networking needs.

Takeaways

• 📡 Network topology refers to how computers connect and communicate in a network, categorized into physical and logical topologies.
• 🔌 Physical topology describes the actual layout of cables and devices, while logical topology focuses on data flow within the network.
• 🌐 The most common network used for interconnecting distributed computers is the Local Area Network (LAN), which includes topologies like Star, Bus, and Ring.
• 🚌 In bus topology, all computers connect to a shared central cable, making it cost-effective but vulnerable to signal degradation and faults.
• 🚦 Star topology features a central device (hub or switch) connecting computers, allowing simultaneous communication but making the network dependent on the central device.
• 🔄 Ring topology connects each computer to two adjacent ones, facilitating one-directional data transmission but creating a single point of failure.
• 🌟 Mesh topology ensures every device is connected to every other device, providing excellent fault tolerance but increasing installation complexity and cost.
• 🛠️ Each network topology has its pros and cons, and the choice depends on factors like cost, installation ease, maintenance, and fault tolerance.
• ⚠️ Bus topology is rarely used in modern networks due to its limitations, such as collision risks and limited scalability.
• 🗝️ Token Ring represents a logical ring topology but uses a physical star layout, employing a token-passing protocol for orderly data transmission.

Q & A

What is network topology?

Network topology refers to the arrangement and interconnection of computers within a network, detailing how they connect and communicate with each other.

What are the two main types of network topology?

The two main types of network topology are physical topology, which describes the actual physical connections between devices, and logical topology, which defines how data flows through the network.

What is bus topology?

Bus topology is a type of network configuration where all computers connect to a single central cable, known as the bus, allowing for data frame transmission among all connected devices.

What are the advantages of bus topology?

Bus topology is less expensive, requires less cabling, and is easier to install compared to other topologies.

What are the limitations of bus topology?

Bus topology has limitations including decreased signal strength with longer cables, low fault tolerance since failure of the central cable disrupts the entire network, and potential for data collisions.

How does star topology function?

In star topology, each computer connects to a central device (hub or switch) using point-to-point communication links, allowing for direct data transfer between devices.

What are the benefits of star topology?

Star topology offers good fault tolerance (only one link failure affects communication), easy troubleshooting, and straightforward reconfiguration.

What is the drawback of using a hub in star topology?

Using a hub in star topology can lead to increased unnecessary data traffic since a hub broadcasts data to all connected devices, which can slow down the network.

What characterizes ring topology?

Ring topology connects each computer to two adjacent computers, forming a circular data transmission path, where data moves in one direction to reach its destination.

What are the challenges associated with ring topology?

Ring topology faces challenges such as a single point of failure paralyzing the entire network, slower data transmission rates, and difficulty in adding or removing devices.

What distinguishes mesh topology from other types?

Mesh topology is characterized by each device having a dedicated point-to-point link to every other device in the network, offering high fault tolerance and privacy for data transmission.

What is hybrid topology?

Hybrid topology is a combination of two or more different topologies, allowing for the flexibility to utilize the strengths of each type while addressing specific network needs.

What factors should be considered when choosing a network topology?

When choosing a network topology, one should consider factors such as cost, ease of installation, maintenance requirements, and the fault tolerance capabilities of the network.