5 Different Types of Network Topology: Advantages, Disadvantages

In this post, we will discuss the 5 different types of network topology and the advantages & disadvantages of network topology. Through this article, we have provided complete information about types of topology. After reading this, you will not need to search anywhere else about this topic.

It has always been our endeavor that our readers get the correct information. So, let’s start without delay.

In a network, so many computers, laptops, and other network devices are connected in a structure. The structure in which the network devices are connected and share information and resources is called network topology.

5 Major Types of Network Topology

• Bus topology
• Star topology
• Ring topology
• Mesh topology
• Tree topology

Bus topology

Bus topology is a network type in which every computer is attached to a single Co-axial cable. The nodes are connected to the channel hooked to each computer, using a T-connector. It transmits data from one end to another in a single direction.

A 50-ohm resistor is used at each end of the Ethernet cable. It is also called a terminator. It is used to control the signal coming in that cable. In addition, CSMA/CD access method is used to avoid collision. (CARRIER SENCE MULTIPLE ACCESS/ COLLISSION DETECTION).

When a computer starts sending information in the bus topology, then it checks whether other information is transmitting in that channel or not, only after that send the information. Here ethernet network architecture is used.

Computers communicate only when the media is idle, so no two devices can transmit information at the same time.

Advantages

• Bus topology Easy to assemble all network devices also extend the length by using a repeater. The repeater is a device that is used to create and extend the LAN. It is an amplifier for the digital signal.
• In bus, topology required a fairly limited amount of cabling compared to other topologies. It is very easy to set up the bus topology and uses less cable than other topologies.

Disadvantages

• In the bus network, if the cable breaks, shorts, or the connector becomes loose, it can be very difficult to troubleshoot.
• When a computer is connected or removed in this network or there is more traffic in the network, then it increases the collision in this bus network.

Star topology

In star topology, the whole computer’s network connects to centralised connecting device called hub or switch. No computers are connected to each other. So the information is transmitted through the hub.

Each computer is connected with its own cable to a port on the hub. Here also media access control method is CSMA/CD.

In star topology, the possibility of network faults is reduced by connecting all network devices to a central hub. Hubs or switches in this network control and manage all the problems.

Advantages

• To installation of this network is very easy.
• Easy to extend the network (Adding a computer to the network is just a matter of running a wire in between the computer and a hub).
• It is very easy to find and fix the problem in this network.

Disadvantages

• Due to the use of many cables in this topology, its cost is high. The cost of cabling is high because each computer on the network requires a separate cable. So the cost of the cable is more than the bus topology.
• Buying a hub for the network adds additional cost. If the central hub fails, the entire network will fail.

Ring topology

A ring topology connects the network computers one after the other on the wire in a physical circle. The architecture used by the ring topology is FDDI (Fibre Distributed Data Interface).

In ring topologies there are utilize a token-passing scheme, it’s used to control access to the network. Each machine or computer has a unique address that is used for identification purposes.

Advantages

• Ring topology networks are easy to build and cost-effective.
• The speed of this network is good and also easy to manage.
• If there is a cable fault somewhere, it can be easily repaired.

Disadvantages

• If the ring topology is broken, the whole network will be down.
• If some computers have to be added or removed then it is difficult to access this network.

Mesh topology

In Mesh Topology, all the devices of the network are connected to each other. In this topology, information can go through any path to the receiver node. This topology’s network structure is very complicated, so it requires so many cables.

Advantages

• The defect can be easily diagnosed.
• In this topology, the data is transferred to the receiver through dedicated channels or links.

Disadvantages

• Requires more cable than the other topology.
• Very difficult to install and configure this network.
• Maintenance and installation costs are very high.

Tree topology

The topology that is created using Bus Topology and Star Topology is called Tree Topology. Many hubs and switches are used in this topology. Computers are connected through switches and send or receive information through them.

Advantages

• If there is a cable or some problem with this tree topology, it is easy to find and fix.
• This network is easy to install and expand.

Disadvantages

• If any of its switches are faulty, then all the computers connected to it will stop working.
• Many cables are required in this topology, so its cost is high.

Conclusion

Friends, we have tried to explain to you the full information about 5 major types of network topology & advantages & disadvantages of network topology in a very simple way. I hope you all have understood well about this. If any doubt regarding this topic then please comment below. We will definitely clear your doubts.

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