What is Topology ?

The topology is know as the shape or layout of the network. Network topology describes it how the various nodes of the network are connected to each other and how they establish communication with each other. The connecting computers and data flow in it is called topology.

Types of Network Topology 

  • Bus
  • Ring
  • Star
  • Tree
  • Mesh 

1. Bus Topology :


In Bus topology network, every computer and network device is connected a single cable, as called  bus topology. In bus topology requires less cable and easy to add a new node.


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

Advantages :
  • It is easy to Understand.
  • Required less cable for this network.
  • Bus Topology used in small network.
  • Installing the topology is easy.

Disadvantages :
  • Topology we can use limited length cable in bus topology.
  • This topology works slightly slower.
  • cable fail then whole network fails in bus topology.

    2. Ring Topology :


    Ring Topology is a each device has connects to other devices means point to point connection (Ring shape), with only the two devices on either side of it. Ring topology is like a bus topology.
     In ring network  data is exchanged on receiving the data from one computer to another computer, other computers in the middle have to verify if the said data is for them or No. If this data is not for that, then that data is passed to another computer.


    Advantages :
    • Easy to install.
    • It is also easy to manage this topology.
    • Fault identification is simplified.
    • Reduces chances of collision.
    Disadvantages :
    • Expensive.
    • In this topology, if one computer is defective, then the whole network gets damaged due to this.
    • Computers in this network depend on each other.

    3. Star Topology :


    In star topology, all the computers are connected to a hub or only by a cable. 
    Star topology is the most commonly used. In star topology , the central network device acts as a server.
    The entire computer is controlled by the host computer in star topology.
    In star topology, Every node has its own dedicated connection to the hub.


    Advantages :
    • Easy to add new stations.
    • In star topology, When the computer or network cable is fail, it does not affect the whole network.
    • In Star topology networks are cost-effective as it uses inexpensive coaxial cable.
    • High Data Speed.
    Disadvantages :
    • This entire system depends on the host computer. If the host computer fails, then the whole network fails.
    • More Cable required.

    4. Tree Topology :

      This topology is related a star topology or Bus topology. In star topology, have a main computer, it also  has a main computer and just as all computers in the topology are connected to a wire, the same happens in the tree topology. It is also called hierarchical topology.


      Advantages :
      • It contains the Point to Point Connection of the device.
      • It is easy to extend the tree topology network.
      • It is also very easy to install.
      • Used in Wide Area Network.
      Disadvantages :
      • It is costly.
      • It requires a large cable.
      • In tree Topology, if a computer or node goes Failed, the networks of all child nodes also do not work.

      5. Mesh Topology :


      Every device is connected to another device are called Mesh Topology. Every device is connected to another device are called mesh topology.  Every computers are connected to each other and they can easily exchange their information because they are connected to each other. It does not have any host computer in mesh topology.
      In mesh topology,  it does not contain the switch, hub or any central computer .




      Advantages :
      • Mesh Topology Provide security and Privacy.
      • Fast Communication.
      • Each connection can carry its own data load in mesh topology.
      Disadvantages :
      • It is costly.
      • Installation and configuration is difficult.