Network Topologies

☞ Technology is a way of connecting devices with each other on a network either physically or logically.

☞ Following are the network technologies :

1. Bus Topology
2. Star Topology
3. Ring Topology
4. Mesh Topology
5. Tree Topology

☞ All devices are connected to a single central cable (the bus).

☞ The data travels in both directions along the bus, and each device checks the data to see if it's intended for it.

☞ Advantages :

• Cost-Effective :Requires less cabling compared to other topologies, making it cheaper to set up.
• Easy to Implement :Simple design, making it easy to set up and understand.

☞ Disadvantages :

• Single Point of Failure :If the central bus cable fails, the entire network is disrupted.
• Limited Scalability :Performance decreases as more devices are added, due to potential data collisions and network congestion.

☞ Each device is connected to a central hub or switch.

☞ The central device acts as a mediator for data transfer between the devices.

☞ Advantages :

• Centralized Management :Easier to manage and troubleshoot since all devices are connected to a central hub.
• Fault Isolation :If one device fails, the rest of the network continues to function as the failure doesn’t affect other connections.

☞ Disadvantages :

• Hub Dependency : If the central hub fails, the entire network goes down.
• Higher Cabling Costs :More cables are needed because each device is connected directly to the central hub.

☞ Devices are connected in a circular fashion.

☞ Data travels in one direction from device to device until it reaches the destination.

☞ Advantages :

• Efficient Data Transmission :Data flows in one direction, reducing the chances of collisions and improving efficiency.
• Simple Data Traffic Control : Since data flows in one direction, managing and controlling traffic is simpler.

☞ Disadvantages :

• Break in the Ring Disrupts Network : A failure in any cable or device can bring down the entire network unless a failover mechanism is implemented.
• Difficult to Troubleshoot : Identifying and fixing faults can be complex because data travels in only one direction.

☞ Every device is connected to every other device in the network.

☞ Creates multiple paths for data to travel.

☞ Advantages :

• High Redundancy and Reliability : Multiple connections ensure the network remains operational even if one link fails.
• Efficient Load Balancing : With multiple paths, the network can balance the load more effectively.

☞ Disadvantages :

• Expensive Setup : Requires a lot of cables and network devices, making it costly to install and maintain.
• Complex Configuration : Managing a large number of connections can be challenging and requires more administrative effort.

☞ It is a hybrid structure that combines characteristics of both bus and star topologies.

☞ Devices are organized in a hierarchical manner, with multiple levels of devices connected to a central node.

☞ Advantages :

• Scalable : New devices can be added easily without affecting the rest of the network.
• Hierarchical Structure : Provides a structured approach that can support large networks with multiple branches.

☞ Disadvantages :

• Dependency on Backbone : If the backbone (central connection) fails, it can disrupt multiple parts of the network.
• Complex Cabling : The hierarchical structure requires more cabling, which can increase costs and maintenance complexity.