Network is the collection of computers, network gadgets, servers, or other devices that are connected to one another to enable file sharing and distribution of data.
Topology refers to the arrangement of nodes and connection within a network.
Network Topology; refers to the ways various gadgets, nodes and connection on your network are physically or logically arranged linked to each other. They are
various ways a network can be arranged; each has its own pros and cons and some are more useful in certain circumstances than other.
We have two kinds of network topology;
1. Physical Topology; this can be seen as the physical layout of the devices on a network.
2. Logical Topology; is the understanding of how a network is arranged by the way it is and how data moves through It, with the network setup, which nodes connect to each other and in what ways. it is formed by an awareness of the data flow details.
Types of network topology
- Star Topology; it’s a type of network that consist of different devices that are connected to a central device. This device then controls all data traffic flow within the entire network. This makes efficient use of cable and is easy to administer.
Advantages of star topology
a. The rate of data transfer is fast.
b. It is extremely flexible.
c. Regulation of network is possible
d. Provides high performance because there is no collision of data.
Implications of star topology
a. Only suitable for massive network.
b. Operates under bulk load conditions.
c. If the main switch malfunctions, all the network goes down and all computers are disconnected from the system.
d. It is costly when compared to bus topology.
- Bus Topology; A type of network in which each node present for communication is connected to a cable. Its cable is responsible for transmitting a message from one participant node to another receiver node. It is works by connecting all units with a singular cable known as a backbone cable. When a node needs to send a message over the platform, it posts a signal on the channel so that all units linked to the system get the information.
Benefits of bus topology
a. It is cost-effective
b. More nodes can be easily added by joining additional cables.
c. It allows all devices to be connected through a single RJ45.
d. Fewer cables are required.
e. The configuration is easy as all wires are linked using a single cable.
Implications of bus topology
a. Reconfiguration is quite expensive.
b. Very difficult to trouble shoot.
c. The entire network may fail, if there is connection problem.
d. They are vulnerable because they use a single wire to transmit data.
- Point to point topology; this comprise of a node communicating directly through a shared network. An example of point-to-point topology is connecting your USB cable to its port in your computer in order to send or retrieve data from your computer.
Benefits of point-to-point topology;
a. Failure of a single node does not affect the rest of the network.
b. Easy to remove the node.
c. Connections are straightforward.
d. Simple to operate.
e. Its fast and secure.
Demerits of point-to-point topology;
a. The configuration is active only in limited space.
b. It has high maintenance cost
c. The whole network depends on a common channel so if connection fails, the
network goes down immediately.
- Mesh topology; In this type of topology, each node is connected directly to other node through a direct link, this design enables for many signals to be distributed even if any links fail. it creates a very reliable network.
Merits of mesh topology;
a. Fault tolerance capacity is high.
b. If there is a breakdown in one path between two nodes, then an alternate path is always available.
c. Long-lasting network that is not dependent on one node.
d. It is easy to identify a faulty device.
e. Speeds-up data transfer.
Demerits of mesh topology;
a. It requires a very strategic planning to implement.
b. Requires a large amount of cable.
c. Takes up a very long time to set up.
d. Difficult to develop and operate.
e. It is costly due to set up of multiple paths.
- Ring topology; formed by connecting participant nodes in such a way that a single cable forms a path in which their ends are joined together to form a circle. These rings are designed around building to form high speed and flexible network.
Benefits of ring topology;
a. It works in a high-capacity network.
b. If a ring goes down, then others can step up and continue.
c. The administration of network and its management is very effective.
d. Adding and removing the ring component is easy to set-up.
Implications of ring topology;
a. If one node malfunction, disruption of network may occur.
b. Reconfiguration is difficult.
c. More communication delay network experience.
d. Trouble shooting it may be difficult if the network capacity is higher.
e. Adding or manipulating the network affects other participants’ nodes.
- Tree topology; A type of network where many participants nodes are connected to form a tree type of network. This root node on extending further has different nodes connected to it, which could be compared as branches of a tree. there is only one connection between any two linked elements since these two nodes have just one reciprocal link that forms a typical parent and child structure.
This type of design is more successful in specific instances, such as communication between two separate networks. This form of topology is used within Wide Area Networks to sustain lots of spread-out devices.
Benefits of tree topology;
a. It is easy to manage.
b. Suitable for small-sized businesses.
c. Blends star and bus topologies network.
d. High flexibility since root nodes can add components to its hierarchical network.
e. Easy to maintain and identify faults.
Implications of tree topology;
a. When a node goes down, the entire network gets affected.
b. The network setup is not straightforward.
c. Maintenance of the network system is difficult.
d. Cables are required to connect every device throughout the hierarchy which makes the network layout more complex when compared to a simpler topology.
e. If the root node fails then all sub trees get disconnected.
f. It requires high level of networking expertise.
- Hybrid topology;
The hybrid topology is the mixture of two or more node designs such as ring, mesh and bus. The selection and use of this system is mostly determined by the desired network bandwidth, position, and number of machines.
Benefits of hybrid;
a. The flexibility of hybrid setups makes them well-suited to larger networks.
b. It can be adjusted depending on the situation at hand.
c. Easy to trouble shoot and discover errors.
d. It is comprised of different benefits from different network.
e. Adaptable to optimize device usage.
Demerits of hybrid topology;
a. Quite expensive.
b. More cables are required throughout the installation process.
c. It requires professional management.
d. The set-up is more difficult.
