Network Topology Types

Network topology can be defined as the layout pattern and connectivity scheme between the devices in a network. It is simply the layout of network communication. There are two main types of Network topology, and they are Physical and Logical Network topology.

• Physical Network Topology: Physical topology is the actual connectivity or layout according to real cabling & connections
• Logical Network Topology: Logical topology is the virtual view of the network devices see

Physical Topology

Under the physical topology, there are about seven topologies:

1.  Point-to-Point Network Topology
2.  Star Network Topology
3.  Ring Network Topology
4.  Mesh Network Topology
5.  Tree Network Topology
6.  Bus Network Topology
7.  Hybrid Network Topology

Point-to-point Topology

In this type of topology, there is no central device or node and devices are directly connected by cable

Advantages of Point-to-Point Topology

Point-to-Point topology is more stable & fault-tolerant. It can be cable fault & device fault-tolerant.

Disadvantage(s) of Point-to-Point Topology

It is most expensive as it requires more cabling & infrastructure.

Star Topology

In this type of topology, devices or computers are connected to a central device such as a hub or switch

Advantages of Star Topology

Star topology is easier to manage. It is easier to locate node and cable problems. It’s also well-suited for expansion into high-speed networking

Disadvantages of Star Topology

There exists a single point of failure and it requires more network cable

Ring Network Topology

It is a type of network topology where computers are connected to form a ring and all data traffic flows in one direction

Advantages of Ring Network Topology

Ring network topology is more secure because if one link is broken in the Ring, data can travel from the side. Troubleshooting is easy and it is easy to install or implement

Disadvantage(s) of Ring Network Topology

Scalability and expansion in the existing network is a bit difficult & requires more skill

Mesh Network Topology

In Mesh topology, every pair of nodes will have a dedicated line. If there is a device or node, every device will be connected with its other devices through a dedicated link

Advantages of Mesh Network Topology

Mesh network topology is more stable & fault-tolerant. It is also cable fault & device fault-tolerant

Disadvantage(s) of Mesh Network Topology

Mesh network topology is most expensive as it requires more cabling & infrastructure

Tree Network Topology

This type of topology possesses a root node where all other nodes are connected to it forming a hierarchy

Advantages of Tree Network Topology

Tree network topology is a loop-free topology & is widely used in Layer2 Networks. It is an easy-to-scale network. We can simply continue to add devices on branches with no downtime required

Disadvantage(s) of Tree Network Topology

There is a single point of failure if the backbone goes down

Bus Network Topology

In this type of topology, computers or devices are connected to a central wire

Advantages of Bus Network Topology

Bus network topology is cheap as it requires less cabling. It does not require any special equipment and It is less complex

Disadvantages of Bus Network Topology

It is more prone to problems. When one cable goes down, then the whole network is disturbed. It is used for old 10base2 thin Ethernet connectors, cables/NICs

Hybrid Network Topology

This type of topology combines two or more topologies together

Advantage(s)  of Hybrid Network Topology

We can achieve combined individual member topologies if designed properly

Disadvantage(s) of Hybrid Network Topology

It becomes complex if the network is not properly designed

Types of Network

There are many types of networks. Some of them are:

• LAN (Local Area Network)
• WAN (Wide Area Network)
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
• WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
• SAN (Storage Area Network)

SUMMARY

In Summary, Network Topology is simply the layout of how networks communicate with different devices. There are 2 main types of network topology, which are; Physical and logical network topology. Some of the common types of networks are; LAN, WAN, MAN, WLAN, SAN and etc.

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