Network Topology Design Information

1. Network Design
Topology

2. Objective
• Given instructions, the learner will design a
computer network topology with 85% accuracy.

3. Topology
• The physical layout of the network devices and
cabling and how all the components
communicate with each other.
• The basic four types of computer network
topologies:
– Mesh
– Bus
– Ring
– Star

4. Mesh Topology
• Also call Point-to-Point
Topology
• Each device is connected
directly to all other devices on
the network.
• A mesh topology provides
Fault Tolerance, or the ability
to overcome a failure.
• The fault tolerance allows the
network to continue
functioning in the event of a
cable failure.
• Commonly used by WAN

5. Bus Topology
• Bus topology is a common type of Multipoint
Topology
• Sharing is the key to multipoint topology.
• A computer network bus topology is
characterized by one starting point and one
ending point.

6. Parts of Bus Topology
• Segment
– A single cable that runs the length
of computer network.
• Terminator
– A device that absorb signal in a
bus topology. Located at each end
of the cable
– The bus cannot function without
the terminator.
• Packet-sniffing
– Special software that views all of
the packets as they pass by on a
network.
– It all allows network
administrators to monitor
network traffic and identify
problems.

7. Bus Topology
Advantages
• It is simple and reliable.
• It requires a small amount of
cable.
• Adding more devices to the
network is easy to do.
Disadvantages
• Troubleshooting problems is
difficult to do.
• It becomes slower as more
devices are added to the
network.
• A cable problem can
shutdown the entire network.

8. Ring Topology
• A multipoint topology is
the opposite of a bus.
• The bus has two end
point, however, a ring is a
circle with no end points.

9. Ring Topology
Advantages
• It is the easiest topology to
manage and troubleshoot.
• Adding additional devices is
easy to do.
• One malfunctioning computer
or cable doesn’t stop the
entire network.
Disadvantages
• If the hub fails, the entire
network stops.
• It requires more cable.
• Cable installation can be more
difficult.

10. Star Network
• A multipoint star
topology gets it name
from the fact that it
resembles a star when
viewed from above.
• The central device is
known as a Hub.
• The hub is responsible for
receiving and forwarding
the packets to the other
devices on the network.

11. Star Topology
Advantages
• It is the easiest topology to
manage and troubleshoot.
• Adding additional devices is
easy to do.
• One malfunctioning computer
or cable doesn’t stop the
entire network.
Disadvantages
• If the hub fails, the entire
network stops.
• It requires more cable.
• Cable installation can be more
difficult.

12. Hybrids Topology
• Variations of standard topology

13. Star Bus Topology
• Typically used to connect
multiple hubs in star
topologies with a bus
topology

14. Star-Ring Topology
• Is wired liked a star but
functions like a ring.

15. Star-Wired Ring Topology
• A topology that is wired
like a star but functions
like a ring.

16. Network Design Activity
• Use the internet to research a office, computer
lab, library, call center, etc. layout to create a
topology layout using the Paint application on
your computer. As seen in the example below
created by your instructor.