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If you want to learn about network topology, then you reach the right place. This article is all about network topologies, different types of network topologies, their configuration, functions, applications as well as advantages and disadvantages. Let’s read about it.
The physical design or the procedure that is followed to construct network connections is called topology in a computer network. It relates especially to the position of the computers and how the cable travels between them. It is also important to select the right topology for the proper use of computer networks.
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Important network topology types are:
The simplest type of network is the bus topology. In a bus network topology, all computers or network nodes are connected to a common communication medium. In a local network, this channel is usually a central cable called a bus.
Working of Bus Network
If a computer wants to send data to another computer in the network, it sends the data and destination address via the bus. This data and address move from one end of the network to the other. Each computer checks this address and, if it matches with this computer, the computer keeps the data. Otherwise, the data moves to the next computer.
The electrical signal from a computer travels the whole length of the cable. When the signal reaches the end of the wire, it bounces back and travels back up the wire. It is called ringing. To avoid the signals from ringing, you have to connect terminators at either end of the segment. The terminators digest the electrical energy and end the reflections also.
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A star network topology is one in which all the cables travel from the computers to a central point, where they are all attached to a device called a hub.
Working of Star Network
If two computers desire to share data, the sender computer sends data to the hub and the hub sends it to the receiving computer. Every computer on a star network communicates with a central hub. A hub provides a middle connection point so that all computers can correspond across the network.
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In this network topology, each computer is connected to the next computer with the last one connected to the first.
Working of Ring Network
Every computer is connected to the next computer in the ring. Each retransmits what it receives from the previous computer. The messages flow in one direction. Since each computer retransmits what it receives, there is no signal loss problems and termination requirement like bus topology because there is no end to the ring.
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A tree network topology is the combination of the characteristics of both bus and star topologies. It is based on groups of computers in the shape of star topology; then these groups use a bus backbone cable/wire to join together. The use of tree topology is to expand an existing network.
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In a mesh network topology, every device on the network is physically connected to every other device on the network. Various possible ways are available to send a message from the source to the destination. Mesh topology provides enhanced performance and consistency.
The use of mesh topology is very rare. The wide area networks mostly use mesh topology where reliability is important.
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