Basic Network Topology

Network Topology

Network topology is the way the devices are arranged in a network. In a wired network, it shows how the computers are connected together. In a wireless network it shows how the computers communicate with each other. The three main topologies are, bus topology, star topology and tree topology.


I. Bus Topology
This type of topology (network) uses a long, central cable (the bus) to connect all of the nodes (computers). Each node are connected to the bus with a short cable.

        - Cheap and simple to install, since only a small amount of cable is needed.
        - A backbone cable is usually used.
        - Easy to add extra devices.
        - Can be quite slow since all computers share the same cable when communicating.
        - Everything will stop working if there is a break in the central bus.

II. Star Topology
Every node in this topology is connected to a hub, switch, or router (the central device). The central device passes messages between nodes.

        - Quite expensive to install, since you require lots of cable and a central device
        - Very fast, since each node has its own cable that doesn't share.
        - When a cable is damaged, only the node connected to it would be affected.
        - Everything will stop working if the central device breaks.
        - The star topology is the most common network topology being used.
        - Easy to add extra nodes without disturbing the network.

III. Tree Topology
This topology is the combination of the other two topologies (star and bus topology).

        - Combines bus and star topologies.
        - If a bus cable failed, the nodes in a single star could still communicate.
        - Good for widely spread networks.
        - Not suitable for small networks as it uses too much cable.