Network Typologies

The physical or logical layout of a network. It defines the way different nodes are placed and interconnected with each other. Alternately, network topology may describe how the data is transferred between these nodes.

Network topologies can be categorized into five basic models:

1. Star Topology

Star Topology: In a star network devices are connected to a central computer, called a hub. Nodes communicate across the network by passing data through the hub.

Main Advantage: In a star network, one malfunctioning node doesn't affect the rest of the network.
Main Disadvantage: If the central computer fails, the entire network becomes unusable.

2. Bus Topology

In networking a bus is the central cable -- the main wire - that connects all devices on a local-area network (LAN).

Advantage:  It's easy to connect a computer or device and typically it requires less cable than a star topology.
Main Disadvantage: The entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main wire and it can be difficult to identify the problem if the network shuts down.

3. Ring Topology

 A local-area network (LAN) whose topology is a ring. That is, all of the nodes are connected in a closed loop. Messages travel around the ring, with each node reading those messages addressed to it.
Main Advantage: One main advantage to a ring network is that it can span larger distances than other types of networks, such as bus networks, because each node regenerates messages as they pass through it.

4. Tree Topology

This is a "hybrid" topology that combines characteristics of linear bus and star topologies. In a tree network, groups of star-configured networks are connected to a linear bus.

Main Advantage: Good choice for large computer networks as it "divides" the whole network into parts that are more easily manageable.
Main Disadvantage: The entire network depends on a central hub and a failure of the central hub can disturb whole network.

               5.  Mesh Topology

In a true mesh topology every node has a connection to every other node in the network. There are two types of mesh topologies:

Main Advantage : A broken node won't distract the transmission of data. Each node is connected to several other nodes which make it easier to relay data.

Main Disadvantage: Complex so maintenance is difficult and require expert net admin.

Hybrid Topology

It is two different types of topologies which is a mixture of two or more topologies. For example if in an office in one department ring topology is used and in another star topology is used, connecting these topologies will result in Hybrid Topology (ring topology and star topology).