Network Topology:

Arrangement of physical and logical nodes such as computers, routers, switches and computers are called network topology. It defines the path of the connections and how the data is transferring between devices. In simple terms is called as blue print of network. It influences reliability, scalability and efficiency of networks.

Types of networks:

• Bus Topology
• Star Topology
• Ring Topology
• mesh Topology
• Tree Topology
• Hybrid Topology

Each and every topology has own limitations, advantages and own characteristics.

Topology	Pros	Cons
Bus Topology	Easy to install, low cost, Good for small businesses	Backbone performance is critical, easily congested, data transfer is one direction at one point.
Ring Topology	Low cost, Suitable of small business, low incidence of collision	One fault can bring the entire network down, Performance will decrease by each adding node.
Star Topology	Low cables need, good for small business, durable, easy to manage which means add or remove nodes.	Requires special hardware, network relies on switch performance
Tree Topology	Easy to manage, easy to expand and good for mid-size business	Lot of cable cost, network expert needed, might be expensive.
Mesh Topology	Data transfers at high speed, very secure, suitable for high value and mid-range businesses	Need large amount of cables, setup time is high, need meticulous planning.
Hybrid Topology	Very flexible, suitable for mid-size and large companies	Requires professional management, cost for equipment is high, need monitoring software.

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Bus Topology: Bus topology is connecting the network devices on a single cable which is connected form one end to other side of network. Bus topology also called as line topology. If the topology has another end also which is called as linear topology. One of the main reasons to keep bus topology is simple because of often use it in networks. It can be run one single cable which is cost effective. In case of adding new devices is very simple in bus topology just by joining another cable to end of topology. This topology has single point failure. Limitations of bus topology is suitable for small networks and half duplex.

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Star Topology: Star topology is every nide connected to one central switch which means every node is connects to central switch and indirectly every node connects to each other. The relationship is like central hub acts as a server and others are as clients.

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The central hubs responsibility is to manage the data transfers across the topology. Co-axial cables, optical fibers and twisted pairs uses in this connection. To manage the whole network in a single location star topology is best option. You can add no. of devices while the network is running. Disadvantage is when the central switch goes down, the whole network shuts and star topology is expensive to setup and use.

Ring Topology: The devices are connected in form of a ring with each device has exactly two adjacent neighbors. When first device wants to send data to last device it has to cross all other devices. To avoid this process repeaters uses in the network and for the data loss as well.

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One of the stations called monitor to perform operation in entire network. When the data is processing or transferring it holds a token and once the transfer is done then only it can process the other operation. Ring topology is half-duplex and also full-duplex. To make full-duplex two rings should form over the network.

Data flows in both counter clockwise and clockwise. Advantages are low risk of packet collision and high speed of data transfer & cost effective. On the other hand, when a node fails the whole can collapse.

Mesh Topology: Mesh topology is where each node connects to other nodes. Here the data transfers on routing and flooding methods. Routing means data transfers on a shortest path in the network. Flooding means the packets sends to all the devices with in the network.

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Advantages :

Mesh topology is capable of handling heavy traffic

A single device failure does not impact on network

The network is almost impossible to take down.

Flexibility

Enormous amounts of data can be handles

Disadvantages:

High price

Latency problems

Time consuming to construct and maintain

Tree Topology: Tree topology is a structure connecting the devices like branches of a tree. This is also called a star topology.

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A main cable is connected to other topologies looks like branches of tree. If the main cable goes down, there will be a partial communication in the subtrees of devices. Another disadvantage is the more nodes you add it will become more complex and very difficult to manage.

Hybrid Topology: Hybrid topology is adding up two or more topologies into one is called hybrid. Large enterprises uses this topologies for flexibility and scalability. It is a quite complex depending on the topologies you decided to use.

 

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Network topologies form the backbone of modern connectivity, shaping how devices communicate and collaborate in diverse environments. By understanding the characteristics and advantages of different topologies, organizations can design robust, scalable networks capable of meeting their evolving needs. Whether it’s ensuring uninterrupted data flow in enterprise environments or optimizing resource allocation in smart grids, the choice of network topology plays a pivotal role in shaping the efficiency and reliability of digital ecosystems. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the intricacies of network topologies, driving innovation and connectivity in the digital age.

References

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[4]	“computerhope,” [Online]. Available: https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/t/treetopo.htm. [Accessed 05 05 2024].
[5]	“topology network,” [Online]. Available: https://topologynetwork.com/what-is-hybrid-topology-definition-examples-advantages-disadvantages/. [Accessed 05 05 2024].