The document discusses various network topologies including star, ring, tree, and mesh. It outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each topology, such as ease of maintenance for star topology and the cost implications of mesh networks. The text emphasizes the operational mechanisms of each topology, illustrating how data is transmitted and the impact of device failures on network functionality.

1. Star Topology
All computers in star topology
are connected with a central
device called hub or switch.
Mostly used in client-server
networks.

2. Working of Star Network
The sending computer sends data
to the central device.
The central device sends data to
the receiving computer.
Each computer in star network
communicates with a central
device.

3. Advantages
of Star
Topology
Easy to maintain and modify network.
Adding or removing computers can be
done without disturbing the network.
Finding faults becomes very simple.
Single computer failure does not bring
down the whole network.
More flexible than other topologies.

4. Disadvantages of Star
Topology
If central hub fails, the entire network breaks
down.
Requires a large length of cable to connect
computers.
More expensive.

5. Ring Topology
Each computer is connected to the next
computer with the last one connected
to the first.
Thus, a ring of computers is formed.
The ring topology can be bidirectional
or unidirectional.
If it is unidirectional it will clockwise
or anticlockwise its direction never
change

6. Working of Ring Network
Each computer is connected to the
next computer in a ring.
Each computer receives a message
from the previous computer and
transmits it to the next computer.
The message flows in one direction.
The message is passed around the ring
until it reaches the correct destination
computer.

7. Advantages of Ring Topology
Less expensive
than star
topology.
Every computer
has equal access
to the network.

8. Disadvantages
of Ring
Topology
Failure of one computer
in the ring can affect the
whole network.
Difficult to
troubleshoot.
Adding or removing
computers affects the
whole network.

9. Tree Topology
Combines characteristics of bus and
star topologies.
Consists of different groups of
computers attached in star topology.
Groups are then connected to a bus
backbone cable.
Used for the expansion of an existing
network.

10. Advantages of Tree Topology
Provides point-to-point wiring
for individual segments.
Supported by several hardware
and software vendors.

11. /
Disadvantages of Tree Topology
Overall length of each segment is limited by
the type of cabling used.
Entire network goes down if the backbone line
breaks.
More difficult to configure and wire than other
topologies.

12. Mesh Topology
Every device in the network is
physically connected to every other
device in the network.
A message can be sent on different
possible paths from source to
destination.
Provides improved performance and
reliability.
Mostly used in wide area networks.

13. Advantages and Disadvantages of Mesh
Topology
If one device on a mesh network fails, the network
can still function.
Performance is not affected with heavy load of
data transmission.
Easy to troubleshoot.
A full mesh network can be very expensive.
Difficult to install and reconfigure.