Science computer

                    ''life before the computer''

                     3.1.3 Network Topology

     so WHAT IS THE DEFINITION...?     

• A network topology refers to 

1.    The layout of the computers and devices in a communications network or
2.     The configuration of a network that consists of cables, computers, and other peripherals  

    Physical topology                                              

• The configuration of cables, computers, and other peripherals. OR 
• The arrangement of a cabling on a network.

  

  Logical Topology

• the path that data travels between computers on a network. OR 
• How signal travels along the physical path.

TYPES OF NETWORK TOPOLOGY

                                                                  Bus topology

     

•  Bus networks consists of a single central cable (backbone/ trunk), to which all computers and other devices connect (node). 

            

Features of Bus Topology  

1. It transmits data only in one direction.
2. Every device is connected to a single cable

           

Disadvantages of Bus Topology

1. Cables fails then whole network fails.
2. If network traffic is heavy or nodes are more the performance of the network decreases.
3. Cable has a limited length.
4. It is slower than the ring topology.

                                           

          

• It is called ring topology because it forms a ring as each computer is connected to another computer, with the last one connected to the first.  

                  

                          

Advantages of Ring Topology

1. Transmitting network is not affected by high traffic or by adding more nodes, as only the nodes having tokens can transmit data.
2. Cheap to install and expand

Disadvantages of Ring Topology

1. Troubleshooting is difficult in ring topology.
2. Adding or deleting the computers disturbs the network activity.
3. Failure of one computer disturbs the whole network.

                                                star topology

         In star topology, each computer is connected to a central (hub/switch) using a point-to-point connection. The central hub can be a computer server that manages the network,

                 

Advantages of Star Topology

1. Fast performance with few nodes and low network traffic.
2. Hub can be upgraded easily.
3. Easy to troubleshoot.
4. Easy to setup and modify.
5. Only that node is affected which has failed, rest of the nodes can work smoothly.

Disadvantages of Star Topology

1. Cost of installation is high.
2. Expensive to use.
3. If the hub fails then the whole network is stopped because all the nodes depend on the hub.
4. Performance is based on the hub that is it depends on its capacity