A computer network connects two or more computers to share information. Network topology refers to how the nodes in a network are linked. There are several common topologies including ring, star, bus, and star-ring. A ring topology connects nodes in a closed loop where data travels in one direction. A star topology connects all nodes to a central hub. A bus topology uses a single cable to connect all nodes. A star-ring topology combines stars and a ring for flexibility. Key considerations in choosing a topology include costs, cable length needs, support for future growth, and cable type.
2. WHAT IS COMPUTER NETWORK?
A computer network is a network in which two or more computers are connected with each
other so that they can share information or data with each other.
3. WHAT IS NETWORK TOPOLOGY?
The art of connecting different computers in a network is known as
Topology.
The term network topology refers to the way in which the nodes (Computer
or other devices that need to communicate) of a network are linked
together.
It determines the data paths, which may be used between any pair of nodes
in the network.
4. RING TOPOLOGY
The workstations in a ring topology
are connected in the shape of a
closed ring.
Data is simply passed around from
one workstation to another.
The data travels only in one
direction in a ring and cannot be
reversed back.
Each workstation passes the data
onto the next one in the line
automatically.
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5. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF RING TOPOLOGY
Disadvantages
It requires more
complicated control
software.
Data flows only in one
direction.
If one node or
computer fails, the
entire network gets
affected.
Advantages
The ring works well
where there is not
central-site computer
system.
It covers a great
distance.
It is more reliable than
a star network.
6. STAR TOPOLOGY
In a star topology, all the
workstations are connected to a
central device called a HUB.
The hub controls traffic on the
network.
If the hub breaks down, the
network will not function.
HUB
7. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF STAR TOPOLOGY
Disadvantages
The system crucially
depends on the
Central Hub. If hub
fails, the entire network
fails.
The system use large
amount of cabling.
Advantages
If any of the local
computer fails, the
remaining portion of
the network is
unaffected.
Its easy to identify an
error if the network is
not working.
New computers can be
easily added.
8. BUS TOPOLOGY
In the bus topology, there is a single bus
which carries all the data on the network.
A bus is a single continuous cable to which
all the computers are connected.
All the devices in a network are connected
to a single continuous cable called the Bus.
Backbone
9. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF BUS TOPOLOGY
Disadvantages
It offers limited flexibility
for change.
A signal on the bus must
be strong enough to
reach the receiver.
Hardware error are
difficult to detect.
Advantages
Its quite easy to set up.
Failure of one station
does not affect the rest of
the network.
Uses the least amount of
cable.
10. STAR-RING TOPOLOGY
This topology is combined to
achieve the best of both star and
ring topology.
It consist of a number of
concentration points connected
together in a ring.
The star-ring topology operates
exactly as the normal ring but
the physical wiring is arranged as
a series of interconnected stars.
11. CONSIDERATION WHEN CHOOSING A TOPOLOGY
Money – A bus may be the least expensive way to install a network.
Length of cable needed – The bus network uses shorter length of cable.
Future growth – With star topology, expanding a network can be easily done.
Cable type – The most common cable used in schools is Unshielded Twisted Pair,
which is often used with star topologies.