Networks and Their Topology, Essay Example

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Controlling a wireless network topology is a challenge for developers. The most common way or setting network topology controls is using a cone-based distributed topology-control

(CBTC) algorithm to vary the transmission power at the nodes, according to Li et al. (2004) The below paper is designed to provide a detailed overview of the network topology controls on all layers; taking into consideration security risks, user interface, maximum performance and accessibility. However, before starting to cover all the layers and objects, algorithms regarding systems, it is important to agree on the main definition of topology in network designs. The authors would like to accept Oppenheimer’s (2004, p. 1.) definition: A topology is “a map of an internetwork that indicates network segments, interconnection points, and user communities.” Lopez (2008, p. 2.) confirms that there are three main reasons to plan and analyze network topologies: to be able to define parameters and metrics, to optimize network speed and performance and to allow simpler modifications.

I. Layers – Hierarchical Network Design

When using a hierarchical topological network design, developers can build multiple benefits. According to Oppenheimer (2004), the workload of the network can be reduced, simplicity can be achieved and change can be facilitated easier. The hierarchical network design consists of three different layers: core layer for high-speed switching, distribution layer for policy-based connectivity and access layer for local and remote workgroup access. While there are many designs apart from the hierarchical suggested by many authors (Mellia et al. 2001, 1999, Kar et al. 2003), the authors would like to review the implementation steps and integration challenges of the hierarchical topological design. The order of designing the layers is backwards, however; the access layer needs to be developed first, followed by the distribution layer, and the core layer has to be designed taking into consideration the characteristics, algorithms, statistics and network diameters.

A. Core layer

The core layer is often called the backbone of the network. (Raza and Turner, 2002) Unlike the distribution layer, it is supposed to switch traffic, instead of routing it. There are two different approaches to optimizing the performance of the core layer: switching and routing. When using the switching method, the data does not need to be encrypted and re-generated, and this means that the overall performance of the system will be enhanced. However, the main responsibility of the core layer is to provide multiple paths. This way high-end switches can ensure that when the main route is down, alternative ones are provided. Traffic filters and restrictions are usually not implemented on this level of the network.

1. High-end routers optimized for availability and performance

The main function of the core layer, according to the Cisco design (Raza and Turner, 2002) it acts as a high performance and speed backbone for providing transfer of information to the distribution and access layers. There has to be a built in redundancy and fault tolerance implemented in this layer in order to provide maximum performance and manageability. This way, filters and other control processes would not cause slow packet manipulation. (Raza and Turner, 2002, Ch 5. )

a. Types of routers

Selecting the right type of router is essential to provide the network with the maximum performance. According to Enterasys (2011), data centers (and networks alike) are changing. The connectivity trends are moving towards a higher performance Ethernet; while in 2009 100G Ethernet was very rare, it is taking over. 40 and 10G Ethernet networks are also becoming the most common when it comes to data networks. Therefore, the types of routers need to be designed to be able to handle data long term and plan for the growth. (p. 4.) Mellia et al. (1999, p. 1.) find that wavelength-routed networks need high capacity electronic routers with “lightpath” connection.

b. Availability features of routers

Apart from providing online communication, the routers also need to have multiple layers of workstation that enables off-net connection. According to Mellia et al. (1999, p. 1.), the physical layer needs to provide maximum availability, and this means that the duplication and replication of packets might need to be reduced to the minimum.

c. Setup of routers for maximum performance

Topological routing techniques need to be optimized in order to reduce routing traffic and allow faster communication. (Lopez et al. 2008. p. 2.) Planning for over-subscription needs to be implemented in the core and distribution layers, in order to maximize performance, reduce delays and failures.

2. Switches optimized for availability and performance

In order to be able to control traffic and performance, there is a need for advanced switches. According to the Cisco report (Raza and Turner, 2002) quality of service (QoS), Layer 3 static routing, and IPv6 support need to be implemented. Layer 3 switching is the most advanced solution today to maximize performance; it enables the host to identify the location of hosts within the network. It is also able to implement routing functions, unlike Layer 2 switch. A switch is also able to differentiate different transmission methods; unicast, multicast and broadcast.

a. Inserting switches to network design

The most common approach to applying switches is to insert them into VLAN-s. (Raza and Turner, 2002) Stations would be connected through VLAN A and VLAN B, using span switches. The VLAN tag needs to contain ID specifics regarding the different frames.

b. Setting up controls

There are different mechanisms of switches that need to be implemented within the network; cut-through, store-it-forward and fragment-free switches. Depending on the requirements of access and traffic of the network, the right approach needs to be implemented.

c. Monitoring performance of switches

Switching security needs to be monitored, using a cyclic redundancy check (CRC). Determining the maximum and minimum frame sizes helps optimizing the performance of the network.

B. Distribution Layer

The distribution layer is created to manage, parse and sort the data sent to the access points of the network. Filtering, securing and encoding information is one of the main features of this layer. Providing highly redundant forwarding service while maximizing security, speed and performance is important when designing this layer of the network topology. Speed needs to be optimized considering the connections from the access layer.

1. Routers for Implementing Policies

The distribution (regional) network needs to be designed to enable the maximum manageability of the web-caching and DNS protocols. (Raza and Turner, 2002) Access switches need to have correct algorithms to control permissions and bandwidth usage.

a. Built in rules to implement policies

Reducing the number of routes and multiple paths within the access layer, according to Yu (2002), would make filtering and the implementation of policies easier. It does also reduce the memory use of the network and speeds up access.

b. Algorithms determining rules

Route flapping needs to be implemented in the algorithms in order to provide long term, high speed and performance access to the users and interfaces within the Access layer. IS-IS or OSPF protocols need to be deployed, in order to provide maximum scalability. Building hierarchy is also important, and these have to be built in the routing design.

c. Limitations of policies and their consequences

Routing intelligence placement (Yu, 2002) needs to be created and built in the system, in order to provide filtering and dampening. Yu (6.4.1.) confirms that there are three different functions of these routing intelligences:

i) to enforce business agreement between network entities using different routing policies;

ii) to protect routing information integrity within the network

iii) to shield a network and prevent instability

As the main traffic is concentrated in the core level of the network, there is a lot of information that travels between the distribution and core layers.

2. Switches for Implementing Policies

Reducing alternative routes and using static edges and routes is the most effective method, however, system security needs to be considered. When using basic of standard routes as much as possible, the use of network resources is minimized.

a. Switches algorithms

Date-link or WAP connectivities can be selected in order to maximize performance and productivity. A suggestion of Raza and Turner (2002) includes three different modules when creating switches; Core2 would be an additional backbone that all traffic gets routed through, after passing Core 1. Ds1, Dist1 and Dist3 can also be added, provided that there is sufficient power and this does not slow down the system. Policies and algorithms need to be added in order to reduce human error and simplify the routing process, making the complexity easier to see through.

b. Limitations of switches

Bridging, such as storing and forwarding needs to have verification functions built in. When cutting through is used, no error checking takes place, and this reduces the reliability and security of the distribution layer. Fragmentation can solve this problem, however, advanced algorithms need to be used in order to successfully implement this method. Fragment-free bridging means that errors are only checked by end devices, and that would increase network vulnerability.

c. Distribution rules

While distribution rules can be implemented in the network design, and various layers can be added for extra security, such as firewalls, security and IP gateways, VPN concentrations, there are some limitations in applying these rules in the system. Switches are more hardware oriented than hubs. Logical segmentation is possible through switches, but more prone to security attacks at the same time in promiscuous mode. They require more configuration and the handling rules of multicast packets can be complicated.

Distribution rules include building IP multicast routing algorithms; distributed algorithms and centralized ones. (Mellia et al. 2001)

d. Security

Access lists and filtering need to be implemented in the distribution layer. It creates a boundary regarding summarization and data aggregation. A broadcast domain can determine the maximum length of path the individual broadcast is able to travel through the network, providing security by not allowing broadcasts to go past different domains, acting as a point of demarcation. (Raza and Turner, 2002)

C. Access Layer

The access layer is the point of connection for different stations to the network. (Raza and Turner, 2002) It is also used in the design to define the domains of network collision. Network security policies are also often implemented in the layer. Filtering of data transmitted is also implemented through network algorithms.

1. Wireless access points connecting users

There are different wireless LAN designs to provide control and management of users and levels of access. The Cisco (Raza, and Turner, 2002) model details the features of the LWAPP/CAPWAP features and functions. These are:

i) controlling LAP and managing access

ii) controlling client traffic

iii) 802.11 data collection

While providing user access to the system, the access point needs to have built in functions to reduce the impact of interaction and human error. Download configurations need to be taking into consideration the following: demand, performance, sharing features and speed.

a. Demand for access

Monks et al. (2001) confirms that utilizing the channels in order to serve access and demand the most effectively is the major challenge of creating access protocols. The transmission ranges need to be clearly defined, while simultaneous transfer between point A and B needs to be excluded from the list of allowed operations. (Monk et al. 2001)

b. Performance of providing access

Collision avoidance is one of the most important tasks of access layer algorithms and rules. This can be solved using the deferring of the transmission. PCMA protocols can be extremely powerful in multiple access networks. They can act two ways; avoiding and resolving collisions using the sensory of RTS/CTS packet signals. (Monk et al, 2001, p. 222.)

c. Speed of the wireless points

Power control needs to be optimized for maximum performance and maximum demand alike. Monk et al (2001) recommend using a “bounded and variable power controlled” model of transmission. Signal strength and packet reception needs to be measured and optimized. Measuring sender power and busy channels during the testing process would enable developers to increase the overall performance and improve user experience, even when multiple network locations use the same access point.

The segmentation of data and disabling sharing network information is done using advanced algorithms that are implemented in the access layer. Different access points would need to have rules determined, and security can be maintained when the links between access points are limited to the minimum that is necessary. Evaluating the need of end users and stations for sharing features would help the developer speed up performance and reduce security risks associated with the shared use of protocols. (Monk et al, 2001)

2. Lower-end switches connecting users

There might be a need to apply lower- end switches in order to connect different users within the networks. These switches have to be using the standard routing determined by the algorithms. The transmission speed and distance has to be determined to maximize network performance.

a. Testing of switches access points

The security, speed and performance of switches and access point transmissions need to be tested on each and every location of the network where connection and access is needed. Sharing needs to go through filters and different layers of security, including firewalls and this can potentially compromise the performance of the network.

b. performance of algorithms

Algorithms have to first determine the standard routes of access and provide alternative routes in a way that they would select the second best performing and fastest solution for every user. This requires an advanced optimization of algorithms on the access level.

c. Speed of switches

The speed of switches has to be optimized to the rest of the layers, also the network speed in order to provide the best performance. Reducing networking congestion is the main task these switches at the low level need to perform. Users usually compete for the Ethernet bus. That means that collisions are more likely to occur when there is a high demand for nodes.

II. Connection Controls

A. Root Bridges connections

Root bridges are used when there is a need for connecting different networks, filtering traffic and data through firewall and when there is a Spanning Tree Protocol in place to be able to block different redundant paths within the network. Bridging can be point-to-point or point-to-multipoint. (Raza, and Turner, 2002) Redundant bridging is also used to optimize network performance.

When entries are made through the connection points in the access layer, different actions can take place determined by bridges. A bridge packet filter would decide whether to accept, drop, jump, log, mark, passthrough, return or set priority for the data packet sent.

Frame forwarding

Frame forwarding’s main function is to filter and separate the traffic between two networks and that one within the individual network.

B. Basic Cone-based Topology Control Algorithms

Li et al. (2004, p. 2.) consider three different communication primitives:

bcast (broadcast)
send (send)
recv (receive)

These are the common functions during which the system needs to assume and determine the reception power and transmission power. When data packets are transferred, different nodes try to find one neighbor. By active mapping, power and performance are optimized.

III. Optimizations

A. The shrink-back operation (Li et al. 2004, p. 5)

When creating a gap in the end of the algorithm, maximum power can be achieved in the end of the algorithm. Adding a shrinking phase would reduce power input and increase the performance of the network.

B. Asymmetric edge removal

After adding an edge, it is important to remove asymmetric edges to preserve the lowest symmetric edge and improve performance. In order to remove the asymmetric edge, there is a need to slightly enhance the basic CBTC.

C. Pairwise edge removal

Transmission power needs to be reduced when using small messages. For this, the nodes do not need the information of their closest neighbor.

It is important to note that the above, hierarchical topology model is more adequate for implementing in larger networks. It is suitable for large campus database networks and high performance, security designs. While the flat network and ad-hoc topology design has more customization features, it is not recommended for networks with multiple sites, access points, as they cannot provide reliable and delay-free performance. The above review of the hierarchical (three-layer) model has aimed to take into consideration the challenges, risks and capacity requirements. One of the main benefits the researchers have found is that capacity planning can become fully controlled and multi-level optimization provides extra security. (Lopez et al. 2009) While other systems are also used for creating topological network designs, the logical approach of the above detailed, CISCO -type access control, algorithms and routing design has proven itself to be secure, easily optimized for maximum performance, speed and productivity. It is also one of thee most adaptable designs and changes can easily be implemented on each of the three layers.

Caponio,M.P., Hill, A.M., Neri, F., Sabella, R. (Web.) Single Layer Optical Platform Based on WDM/TDM Multiple Access for Large Scale Switchless Networks , to appear on European Transactions on Telecommunications, Special Issue on WDM Networks Print.

Data Center Networking – Connectivity and Topology Design Guide. Enterasys . Web. [Available: Enter Asys Website] Accessed: 04/23/13

Kar, K.; Kodialam, M.; Lakshman, T.V.; Tassiulas, L. “Routing for network capacity maximization in energy-constrained ad-hoc networks”, INFOCOM 2003. Twenty-Second Annual Joint Conference of the IEEE Computer and Communications. IEEE Societies, On page(s): 673 – 681 vol.1 Volume: 1, 30 March-3 April 2003

Krishnaswamy, R. M., Sivara jan, K. N. (1998) D esign of Topologies: a Linear Formulation for Wavelength Routed Optical Networks with No Wavelength Changers” , IEEE Infocom’98, San Francisco, Ca, USA, March 1998. Print.

Leonardi, E., Mellia, M., Marsan, A. (1999) Algorithms for the Logical Topology Design in WDM All-Optical Networks . Web. Available from: <http://www.telematica.polito.it/oldsite/mellia/corsi/07-08/optical_networks/wdm12_color.pdf > [accessed: 04/23/13]

Li, L., Bahl, P., Halpern, J., Wang, Y. (2004) A Cone-Based Distributed Topology-Control Algorithm for Wireless Multi-Hop Networks . Web. Available from: <http://research.microsoft.com> [Accessed: 04/23/13]

Lopez, J., Imine, M., Rumin, R., Pedersen, J., Madsen, O. (2008) Multilevel network characterization using regular topologies. Computer Networks Volume 52, Issue 12, 22 August 2008, Pages 2344–2359

Mellia, M., Nucci, A., Grosso, A., Leonardi, E., Marsan, A. (2001) Optimal Design of Logical Topologies in Wavelength-Routed Optical Networks with Multicast Traffic. Global Telecommunications Conference, 2001. GLOBECOM ’01. IEEE

Monks, J. Bharghavan, V. and Hwu W. (2001) A power controlled multiple access protocol for wireless packet networks. In Proc. IEEE Infocom, pages 219–228, April 2001

Oppenheimer, P. (1998) Top-Down Network Design. Chapter 5. Network Topologies and LAN Desig n. Cisco Press Print.

Ramaswami, R. Sivara, K.N. (1996), Design of Logical Topologies for Wavelength Routed Optical Networks. IEEE Journal of Selected Areas in Communications , Vol.14, n. 6, pp.840-851, June 1996. Print.

Raza, K., Turner, M. (2002) C isco Network Topology and Design. Web. [Available: Cisco Press. <http://www.ciscopress.com/articles/article.asp?p=25188> Accessed: 04/23/13

Tarjan, R.E. (1983) D ata Structures and Network Algorithms, Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics , Pennsylvania, November 1983. Print.

Yu, J. (2000)Scalable Routing Design Principles. Internet Society RFC 2791 Web.

Wang, Y. and Li, X. (2003) Localized construction of bounded degree and planar spanner for wireless ad hoc networks . InProc. ACM DIALM-POMC Joint Workshop on Foundations of Mobile Computing, pages 59–68, 2003. Print.

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Network Topologies Interview Questions

What is a Network Topology?

A network topology is a layout pattern and connectivity scheme between the devices in a network.

How many types of Network topologies are there in total?

There are 7 types of network topologies which are:

Point-to-Point Network Topology
Star Network Topology
Ring Network Topology
Mesh Network Topology
Tree Network Topology
Bus Network Topology
Hybrid Network Topology

What is LAN (local area network)?

A LAN (local area network) is a computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area such as a residence, school, laboratory, university campus or office building.

What are the advantages of Point-to-Point network topology?

It is the fastest network topology because there is a direct connection so no broadcast is required on such network types.
It is the most reliable than all other types of the connections because there is a direct connection.

What is the disadvantage of Point-to-Point topology?

This type of network topology can only be used for small areas where computers are in proximity & short distance.

What is WAN (Wide Area Network)?

A WAN (Wide Area Network) is a large computer network that spans over a large geographic area.

What is Physical Network Topology?

It is the actual connectivity / layout according to real cabling & connections

What is Logical Network Topology?

Logical network topology is the virtual view of the network that member devices see.

What are the advantages Associated with Star Network Topology?

It is easier to manage.
It is easier to locate or identify node and cable problems.
It is well suited for expansion into high-speed networking.

What are the disadvantages of Star Network Topology?

It requires more network cable.
There is single point of failure.

What are the advantages of Ring Network Topology?

It is more secure because if one link gets broken in the Ring, data can travel from the side.
It is easy to Troubleshoot.
It is easy to install.

What are the disadvantages of Ring Network Topology?

The scalability and expansion in existing network is a bit difficult & it requires more skill.

What are the advantages of Mesh Network Topology?

It is the most stable & fault tolerant.
It has both cable fault & device fault tolerant.

What are the disadvantages of Mesh Network Topology?

It is the most expensive because it requires more cabling & infrastructure.

What are the advantages of Tree Network Topology?

It is a loop free network topology & is mostly used in Layer 2 networks.
It is an easy to scale network. We can simply continue increasing devices on branches with no down time required.

What is the disadvantage of a Tree Network Topology?

There’s single point of failure in case the Backbone goes down.

What are the advantages of Bus Network Topology?

Not expensive as it requires less cabling.
It does not need any special equipment.
It is less complex.

What are the disadvantages of Bus Network Topology?

It is more prone to problems. If one cable fails then the whole network is disturbed.
Used for old 10base2 thin Ethernet connector, cable/NIC’s

What is the advantage of Hybrid Network Topology?

We can attain combined advantage of individual member topologies if properly designed.

What is the disadvantage of Hybrid Network Topology?

It becomes complex when the network is not properly designed.

What kind of Topology is used to minimize traffic problem?

Under the mesh topology, every pair of nodes has a dedicated line or a dedicated channel. Since every pair of node has a dedicated link, so there is no traffic in this case. Hence, traffic issues or problem can be minimized using the mesh topology.

How many ports and cable links are required for a star topology?

In a star topology, there exists a central node and every node is connected to the central node. If there are five devices connected to the central device, we count both the ports on each device and also the port each device is connected to.

Hence, in the entire scenario there are ten (10) ports and five (5) cables. Mathematically:

What is Bus Topology?

In a bus topology, there is a common transmission media and all the data traffic will flow through this transmission medium only.

What is Ring Topology?

It is a bus topology that is in a closed loop. It is a unidirectional communication which means all data traffic will flow in one direction only.

What is Star Topology?

In this topology, there is a central node (device) either a hub or a switch where each end device will be connected to the central node.

What is Mesh Topology?

Every pair of node will have a dedicated line. If there is a node, every node will be connected with its other nodes through a dedicated link.

What is Hybrid Topology?

It is a combination of two or more network topologies.

What is Point-to-Point Topology?

There is no central or intervening device. Devices are connected directly via a cable.

For n devices in a network, what is the number of cable links required for a mesh, ring, bus, and star topology?

What happens if a connection fails for devices arranged in a Mesh topology?

If one connection fails, there is no major setback to complete the work.

What happens if a connection fails for devices in a Bus topology?

If the backbone fails, then all communication is disrupted.

What is the consequence if connection fails for devices arranged in a Ring topology?

If one connection fails, the entire network could be disabled.

What occurs when a connection fails in a Star topology?

Star topology has a single point of failure. So, if the central node fails then, the connectivity of all hosts to all other hosts fails.

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Thanks for this Network Topologies Interview Questions. It has clarified my concepts on hybrid topology.

Network Topologies Explained with Examples

This tutorial explains network topologies (Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Point-to-point, Point-to-multipoint, and Hybrid) in detail with their advantages and disadvantages.

Bus topology

In this topology, all computers connect through a single continuous coaxial cable. This cable is known as the backbone cable . Both ends of the backbone cable are terminated through the terminators . To connect a computer to the backbone cable, a drop cable is used. To connect the drop cable to the computer and backbone cable, the BNC plug and BNC T connector are used respectively.

The following image shows the bus topology.

When a computer transmits data in this topology, all computers see that data over the wire, but only that computer accepts the data to which it is addressed. It is just like an announcement that is heard by all but answered only by the person to whom the announcement is made.

For example, if in the above network, PC-A sends data to the PC-C then all computers of the network receive this data but only the PC-C accepts it. The following image shows this process.

If PC-C replies, only the PC-A accepts the return data. The following image shows this process.

The following table lists the advantages and disadvantages of the bus topology.

Advantages	Disadvantages
It is very simple to install.	It is very difficult to troubleshoot.
It uses less cable than other topologies.	It provides a slow data transfer speed.
It is relatively inexpensive.	A single fault can bring the entire network down.

This topology is no longer used. But there was a time when this topology used to be the first choice among the network administrators. The concept that this topology uses to transmit the data is also used in the other topologies.

Ring topology

In this topology, all computers connect in a circle. Each computer directly connects to two other computers in the network. Data moves down a one-way path from one computer to another. When data signals pass from one computer to the next, each computer regenerates the signals. Since the signals are regenerated on each passing computer, the quality of the signals remains constant throughout the ring.

The following image shows a typical ring topology.

The following table lists the advantages and disadvantages of the ring topology.

Advantages	Disadvantages
It does not use terminators.	It uses more cables.
It is relatively easy to troubleshoot.	It is too expensive.
Since data flows only in one direction, there is no collision in the network.	A single break in the cable can bring the entire network down.

Like the bus topology, this topology is also no longer used in modern networks. This topology was originally developed by IBM to overcome the existing drawbacks of the bus topology.

Star topology

In this topology, all computers connect to a centralized networking device. Usually, a networking switch or a Hub (in earlier days) is used as the centralized device. Each computer in the network uses its own separate twisted pair cable to connect to the switch. The twisted-pair cable uses RJ-45 connectors on both ends.

The following image shows an example of the star topology.

To transmit data, the star topology uses the same concept which the bus topology uses. It means, if you build a network using the star topology, then that network will use the bus topology to transmit the data.

The following table lists the advantages and disadvantages of the star topology.

Advantages	Disadvantages
It is easy to install.	It uses more cables than other topologies.
Relocating computers is easier than other topologies.	If the centralized device fails, it brings the entire network down.
Since each computer uses its separate cable, a fault in the cable does affect other computers of the network.	The total installation cost is higher than the other topologies.
Troubleshooting is relatively easy.	Use the twisted pair cable which is prone to break.
It provides a higher data transfer speed.	Too many cables make the network messy.

In modern computer networks, the star topology is the king. Nearly all new network installations, including small home and office networks, use some form of star topology.

Hybrid Topology

This topology is a mix of two or more topologies. For example, there are two networks; one is built from the star topology and another is built from the bus topology. If we connect both networks to build a single large network, the topology of the new network will be known as the hybrid topology.

You are not restricted to the bus and star topologies. You can combine any topology with another topology. In modern network implementations, the hybrid topology is mostly used to mix the wired network with the wireless network.

The following image shows an example of the hybrid network topology.

Unlike a wired network, a wireless network does not use cables to connect computers. A wireless network uses a radio spectrum to transmit data.

Mesh Topology

In this topology, multiple paths exist between end devices. Based on paths, a mesh topology can be divided into two types; fully meshed and partially meshed . If a direct path exists from each end device to every other end device in the network, it’s a fully meshed topology. If multiple paths exist between the end devices in the network, it’s a partially meshed topology.

To know how many connections require to make a network fully meshed, we can use the following formula.

Here, n is the number of end devices or locations.

For example, to make a fully meshed network of 4 end devices, we need 4*(4-1)/2 = 6 connections.

We can also use this formula to figure out whether a network is fully meshed or partially meshed. If the number of connections in a network is less than the total required number of the connections then the network is considered as the partially meshed network. For example, a network of 4 end devices has less than 6 connections, then it will be considered as the partially meshed network.

The following image shows an example of both types.

Mesh topology is commonly used in the WAN network for backup purposes. This topology is not used in the LAN network implementations.

Point-to-multipoint topology

In this topology, an end device connects directly to multiple end devices in the network. Just like mesh topology, this topology is also used in the WAN network to connect multiple remote sites/locations/offices with a central site/location/office.

The following image shows an example of the point-to-multipoint topology.

Partially meshed topology and the point-to-multipoint topology are the same except for the number of connections. In partially meshed topology number of connections are higher than the point-to-multipoint topology.

Point-to-point topology

This is the simplest form of network topology. In this topology, two end devices directly connect. The following image shows a few examples of this topology.

That’s all for this tutorial. If you like this tutorial, please don’t forget to share it with friends through your favorite social network.

By ComputerNetworkingNotes Updated on 2024-09-14

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DOI: 10.2991/ICCMCEE-15.2015.222
Corpus ID: 55749006

A review of Network Topology

Ruojing Jiang
Published 28 November 2015
Computer Science

4 Citations

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Network Topologies: Definition, Types, Examples and Importance

The shape of how computers and other networking devices are linked to each other is referred to as network topology. The word topology is formed by combining the Greek words topo and logy. "Topo" means "place" and "logy" means "study". It shows the placement and interconnection of nodes as well as the flow of data. The kind of configuration or topology determines network performance in computer networking. As a network administrator, you must have a thorough understanding of your network's topology. Without this knowledge, even simple troubleshooting might be excessively complicated.

This article will describe what a network topology is, and different types of network topology implementations including their advantages and disadvantages, and the importance of network topology. We will give key points for selecting the right network topology for your IT infrastructure as well.

What is Network Topology?

A network topology is the physical and logical configuration of its nodes and connections in a network. Network topology is an application of graph theory in which communicating devices are represented as nodes and the links or lines between the nodes. Nodes typically consist of devices like switches, routers, and software with switch and router functionality.

There are numerous methods to organize the topology of a network. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and depending on your organization's requirements, certain configurations may provide you with a higher level of connectivity and security.

There are two types of network topology:

Physical topology

Logical topology

The physical design of the network is represented physically by the topology of the physical links that are visible. When you identify a network, you create these interconnection maps in your mind, which is known as logical topology. Logical topology is a type of network topology which does not use a specific physical layout. It demonstrates the data flow inside an operational network. In such a way that a topological shape is produced when a map is created from the connections, and as a result, the network's physical topology is revealed. The logical topology, however, is formed by an awareness of the data flow details. So basically, the layout of multiple linked devices is the network topology. Even though this layout looks like a circle, it is not always a ring topology. The way the data is transferred and the devices are connected how the network topology will take shape.

Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Tree, and Hybrid topologies are the different physical topology examples each consisting of different configurations of nodes and connections. A network's design can directly affect how well it works. Because of this, businesses must choose the best topology for their network to boost performance and improve data efficiency. Additionally, the appropriate topology reduces operational expenses and optimizes resource allocation.

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What are the Benefits of Network topology?

There are different network topologies with special features according to the purpose of use. Each network topology has its pros and cons. The primary benefits of network topology are as follows:

If you are aware of the details of the built network topology, you can understand how packets should arrive when one device has trouble interacting with another.

If the network topology is built properly, you can tell if there are firewalls in place or if there are specific bottlenecks where you can run into congestion issues or you may be aware of any single point of failure where a simple device or connection failure can have disastrous consequences.

In a Bus topology, it is simple to manage and implement. It is ideal for small networks and it is cheap to set up.

In a Ring topology, every hub has the opportunity to transmit information. Every one of the intermediary hubs is used to transmit information between two hubs. For the management of this topology, a core server is not required. The information is sent quickly and there is just one direction of traffic.

In Star topology, it enables ease of operation since it is centralized. Additionally, it achieves network device isolation for every device. It is simple to add or remove network nodes without impacting the network as a whole.

In Tree topology, it is best suited for system management in various business branches where each department operates independently and is linked to the central hub. Secondary nodes can be added to the network to increase its size. So it is scalable.

In Mesh topology, it is possible to send data simultaneously from one hub to many other hubs. There are dedicated routes connecting any two network hubs, so it can manage heavy traffic.

What are the Disadvantages of Network Topology?

Each topology type has its disadvantages and risks. We can list the drawbacks of each network topology type as follows:

Both security and security response is impacted by the network topology. The occurrence and propagation of a breach become more difficult as the network becomes more segmented. Damage control and recovery are more important aspects of security than complete prevention, yet choosing the incorrect topology might increase the risk of this damage.

In a Bus topology, it is only effective for a small number of nodes. As more devices are connected to the bus, their efficiency decreases. It is difficult to identify errors within the network nodes.

In a Ring topology, a single network node's failure has the potential to bring the entire system down. A change to one of the nodes can affect the performance of the entire network.

In Star topology, the central hub's functionality is essential for network operation. As a result, when a central hub fails, the entire network fails. The setup cost is high, and the hub's capacity determines how many nodes may be added.

In Tree topology, maintenance is difficult and expensive. Additionally, setup is challenging compared to other topologies.

In Mesh topology, expenses during installation and maintenance of the network are high because a lot of cabling is required.

What is the Importance of Network Topology?

Comprehending network topology is crucial for guaranteeing excellent network performance and administration. Moreover, it offers understanding of the intricate structure of a network and aids in the effective solving of network nodes. A company enhances its data transmission efficiency by using a well-defined and meticulously designed network architecture, which enables easier problem detection and issue resolution.

Network topology assists a network administrator in understanding the various pieces of the network and where they link. It displays how each component interacts and assists in performance management.

The topology of a network has a significant effect on its functionality. A properly planned and managed network topology reduces energy consumption and increases data transmission velocities, which can significantly boost performance.

Network topology enables you to become acquainted with key components of your network and their connections. In addition, it illustrates their interactions and what can be predicted based on their performances. Therefore, performance management is the key to topology, regardless of the size or structure of a network and its numerous components.

One of the main design components in the process of evaluating risk, impact, and cost is network topology. Different topologies offer alternatives and possibilities for regulating the size of the attack surface, the range and complexity of the attack, and the instruments available for detection, response, and recovery. When choosing a topology that maintains a balance between operational advantages and risk tolerance objectives, analysis of operational profits and losses should be taken into account.

At this point, network topologies become even more crucial. Network topologies play an important role in network operation and help us better comprehend networking concepts. It is critical to performance and supports the reduction of operating and maintenance expenses, such as cabling costs. A network topology influences the type of device used to connect a network. Detecting errors or faults are simple with network topologies.

What are the Types of Network Topology?

Network topology is the structure of the connections between computers and other network components. There are numerous physical network topologies from which an organization can choose based on network size, suitability, and business objectives. Each network topology type comprises of various node and link configurations and has its own benefits and drawbacks. Below is a list of the six different types of physical network topologies:

Star Topology

Bus Topology

Ring Topology

Mesh Topology

Tree Topology

Hybrid Topology

1. Star Topology

Star topology is the most common network topology used today. In Star topology, each network node is connected to a central device such as a switch, hub or wireless access point, making it simple to add new nodes without having to restart all of the presently attached devices. When a cable in a star network breaks, just the node attached to that cable is disconnected from the network. The other nodes can continue to operate properly.

There is a relatively technical difference between a hub and a switch. To put it simply, a hub does not know the computers that are connected to each of its ports. A switch, in contrast, is aware of the computers that are attached to each of its ports. Only switch-based networks have a real star topology . If the network employs a hub, the network architecture looks like a star but is a bus topology. This is because, just as in a bus architecture, when a hub is employed, each computer on the network sees all packets sent over the network. In a real star topology, such as when a switch is utilized, each computer sees only packets delivered directly to it, as well as packets sent explicitly to all computers on the network.

Star topologies are frequently used in local area networks. When you have a small network that utilizes a switch or hub to connect multiple devices, you can use star topology. It can achieve very high data transmission rates, especially when the star coupler is employed in the switch mode. Among the various topologies, this is the easiest to maintain. But there are some disadvantages related to this topology. The central hub's operation is critical to network operation. As a result, if the central hub fails, the entire network fails. In addition, the number of nodes that may be added is limited by the capability of the central hub.

The following image shows an example of the star network topology.

Figure 1. Star Topology

2. Bus Topology

In the Bus topology, nodes are connected in a line. To understand how a bus topology works, imagine the entire network as a single cable, with each node "tapping" into it to listen in on the packets delivered over that wire. Every node on the network can monitor every packet delivered on the cable in a bus topology. Every packet is examined by each node to see if it is meant for that node. If so, the packet is claimed by the node. If not, the packet is ignored by the node. Each computer on the network will then be able to respond to data delivered to it and ignore data sent to other computers.

If the cable in a bus network breaks, the entire network is disabled. Because data cannot span the distance formed by the break, the nodes on opposite sides of the break can continue to interact with each other. Even nodes on the same side of the break may be unable to interact with one another because the open end of the cable left by the break disrupts the efficient transmission of electrical signals.

The use of a bus topology has various advantages. It's simple to add new devices, replace current devices, or uninstall old devices without impacting other connected devices, compared to other network topologies like mesh and star, less cable is used, and the cable can be quickly extended as needed.

The following figure shows an example of the bus network topology.

Figure 2. Bus Topology

3. Ring Topology

Ring topology is another type of network topology. Packets are passed from computer to computer in a ring topology. Each computer examines every packet to see whether it was meant for that computer. If not, the packet is sent to the next computer in the ring. Multiple LANs can be connected to each other in a ring topology on a larger scale using Thicknet coaxial or fiber-optic cable. A ring topology , despite what some people think, is not a physical arrangement of network cables. Rings are a logical arrangement; the real connections are wired like a star, with each node linked to the access unit through its cable. In contrast, the network operates electrically like a ring, with network signals traveling around the ring to each node in turn.

The most advantageous feature of the ring topology is the halving of the number of transmitters and receivers as compared to the linear topology. Additionally, unidirectional flows minimize packet collisions. Due to the use of token-based protocols, which only permit one station to transmit data at a time, the risk of packet collisions is extremely low in ring topologies.

The following diagram shows an example of the ring network topology.

Figure 3. Ring Topology

4. Mesh Topology

Each node in a mesh topology is connected to the others and can send and receive data as well as relay information from other nodes. Mesh topologies can be completely or partially linked mesh networks. Mesh network topology does not require a specific physical layout, but each node must have multiple connections to the other nodes. Multiple LANs can be connected to each other in a mesh topology on a larger scale using leased telephone lines, fiber-optic cable, or Thicknet coaxial. The mesh topology is inflexible and poorly expandable because new nodes must be connected to each of the existing nodes by a dedicated connection, which requires the installation of all linkages before a new node can be added. The cost of cabling will be quite expensive for a broader region for the same reason. Although this design produces a very reliable network, it uses a lot of wire and is challenging to manage. This topology becomes more practical with WiFi networks. Mesh topology is the best network topology which describes the Internet. The benefit of a mesh topology is that if one cable breaks, the network may utilize another path to transmit its data.

The following figure shows an example of the full mesh network topology.

Figure 4. Mesh Topology

5. Tree Topology

We can consider the tree topology as an extension of the bus topology. It's a hybrid topology that combines the star and bus topologies. When connecting to other nodes, the core parent node acts as a "bus" while the other child nodes spread the connections to its star topology. The name of this topology comes from the manner in which trees are organized. The network is made up of additional nodes that are stretched outward like branches out of a tree, with a central node or core acting as "the root or trunk" of the system.

It commonly appears in cascading devices. For instance, if your repeater box has six ports and you have six stations, you may use it normally. However, if you need to add more stations, you may do so by joining two or more repeaters in a tree-like hierarchy (tree topology). Because of their great scalability and flexibility, tree topologies are popular among wide-area networks (WANs). The most significant disadvantage of this topology is that centralization introduces the single-point-of-failure problem. If the central node has issues or a slow-down problem, the entire network is affected and falls.

The following image shows an example of the tree network topology.

Figure 5. Tree Topology

6. Hybrid Topology

As the name indicates, a hybrid network architecture combines elements of many different topologies. The network's requirements determine how to create such a setup. Commonly, many topologies are used while designing modern networks. Network engineers, however, combine the benefits of each topology. This can be a useful method for easily connecting multiple existing networks into a single system. Star-ring and star-bus are the two most common hybrid topologies.

This topology has several drawbacks and difficulties. Its potentially complicated architecture, for example, may make troubleshooting difficult, and depending on the setup, such a network might be resource-intensive to establish and maintain. Hybrid topology offers certain advantages as well; it combines the advantages of different topologies and, when performed properly, this form of topology is very adaptable and scalable.

The following diagram shows an example of the hybrid network topology.

Figure 6. Hybrid Topology

How to Determine Your Network Topology?

Before deciding on the network topology, you should consider the needs of the network you will install, your performance expectations, security requirement levels, and the costs to be spent during installation. After determining these, you should start by choosing the most suitable topology for your network.

There is no universal solution for selecting appropriate network topology. The optimal topology for one company may be ineffectual for another. Choosing an appropriate topology for your deployment environment is contingent on a number of variables. When selecting a network topology, you may adhere to the best practices listed below.

Determine your network specifications
Never sacrifice reliability
Determine the spending prudently
Ensure effective implementation
Take into account scalability

5 best practices to choose a topology for your network are explained with more detail below:

Determine your network specifications : Before selecting a network topology, it is essential to contemplate the network's ultimate purpose. various network applications require various hardware, and selecting the proper hardware prior to constructing a network can prevent a great deal of operational headaches in the future.

Consider the applications that will be executed, the data transmission distance, and the expected performance levels. distinct network topologies require distinct hardware, and vice versa. Assess the existing hardware and account for the new hardware you intend to acquire. Sometimes, existing hardware can be repurposed for a new network topology without significant drawbacks, allowing you to save money and reduce procurement time.

Physical space is an additional factor to consider. If all the systems that need to be connected are in close proximity, consider a bus or star configuration that minimizes cable utilization. Additionally, you should consider cabling from a time perspective, as more cable results in a longer implementation period. As an example, mesh networks are extremely cable-intensive (and thus labor-intensive).

Consider the appropriate cable type. Twisted-pair and coaxial cables both employ insulated copper wiring, whereas fiber-optic cabling is constructed from thin, flexible glass or plastic tubes. If your bandwidth needs are modest, choose economical twisted-pair cables. In contrast, coaxial cables are advantageous when bandwidth demands are greater. However, fiber-optic cabling is more expensive and requires additional components, such as optical receivers.

Finally, consider the experience level of your IT personnel. If network implementation and maintenance are to be performed by personnel without extensive training, a simple topology, such as bus or star, is required. If you choose a mesh, tree, or hybrid topology for your network, you may want to enlist the assistance of an expert.

Never sacrifice reliability : Not every topology is equally trustworthy. When setting up a network for a middle school computer center, you could possibly get away with a daisy chain topology. In contrast, if you are establishing a network for a large hospital or a bank, you should most likely choose a robust mesh topology. Remember that network configuration plays a significant role in the daily disruptions and latency you will experience.

Bus and daisy chain topologies are suitable for non-critical configurations. Ring topologies can process large loads with relative ease, but they are susceptible to a single point of failure. Star topologies are not dependent on any node and therefore fail in the event of a center failure. Hybrid and mesh topologies are robust and reliable, but setup and maintenance can be resource-intensive.

Determine the spending prudently : Cables and other hardware are not the only expenses you must account for. You would also need to budget for installation costs and, if necessary, a consultant to assist you in selecting the optimal topology for your computer network and to supervise its implementation. Moreover, cost can be multiplied in network topologies that incorporate multiple network components.

Establish a budget that strikes a balance between installation and operating expenses and the expected network performance. While it is understandable that more sophisticated topologies may be more expensive in the short term, you must also consider the long-term consequences of selecting a less expensive setup. However, if you do not have a use case for sophisticated components and topologies, you do not need to choose them. For example, a complete mesh topology utilizing fiber-optic cabling is likely only required by businesses with advanced dependability requirements.

In terms of pricing, ring, bus, and daisy chain topologies are less expensive to implement than mesh, star, and tree topologies.

Ensure effective implementation : Consider how simple it would be to implement the selected topology. Even if you intend to maintain the network in-house in the future, you should likely commission a vendor to deploy it. Choosing an experienced vendor eliminates concerns regarding the complexity of the network topology, as the vendor's networking personnel would have the necessary qualifications and experience to correctly set up the network. In contrast, implementing your preferred network topology internally may reduce costs in the short term. Nonetheless, if the proper configuration is not implemented, it may cause network disruptions.

Take into account scalability : It is essential to keep in mind that you are constructing a network, not only for the present but also for the future. Choose a topology that is readily adaptable. Star topologies are popular for adding, removing, and modifying nodes without disruption. In contrast, ring topologies may necessitate the shutdown of the entire network prior to any modifications.

Consider the current number of devices and recognize that it will likely increase exponentially as you observe expansion. Consider the geographical dispersion of your devices, and keep in mind that a topology that is ideal for connecting 100 terminals fails if the number of devices exceeds 1,000.

In addition, even if your current topology scales up flawlessly, there may be an affordable method to do it after a certain number of devices have been added. For example, tree topologies are optimal for larger networks, whereas bus topologies satisfy the network requirements of small businesses.

Which Network Topology is Best Used in a LAN?

A LAN is established to connect the necessary network devices so that personal computers or workstations can share all data among themselves. A special addressing scheme assigned by the TCP/IP protocol provides a connection between the computer and other devices with switches. In a local area network ( LAN ), Star topologies are most commonly used. In a very small LAN, like the one at your house, this is much more accurate. Because all other devices in the network are connected to a single central device at home.

Other LANs can commonly use star topologies as well. As an illustration, access switches are used in corporate networks where all hosts and computers are connected to the central switch. Although it uses a star topology. Apart from the Star topology, the Bus and Ring topologies are used for LAN. The bus topology can cause slow transactions in the network, but it can save cable expenses for installation.

Which Network Topology is Used in the WAN?

An extensive computer network known as a wide area network (WAN) links collections of computers over considerable distances. Big businesses commonly utilize WANs to link their office networks; normally, each office has its local area network (LAN), and these LANs communicate via a WAN . Wide Area Networks may use one or more different topologies. Which one is utilized for a specific WAN depends on the business requirements, the available space, and the cost-benefit analysis.

There are two distinct but connected views involved in applying the idea of topologies to WANs. The physical topology, which specifies the actual configuration of network components that enables data to transit from point A to point B, is one factor to take into account. The logical topology, which defines how data travels across the WAN, offers another viewpoint. The topologies that can be used for WANs are ring, star, and mesh topologies.

Where Should the Firewall be Placed in the Network Topology?

A firewall is a system, or group of systems, that maintains a distinction between two or more networks. A firewall can be software that runs on a computer, a specialized hardware box, access control lists (ACLs) running on a router, or any combination of these. To ensure that all traffic coming from outside the protected network passes through the firewall. A security policy determines which types of traffic are allowed to get in through the firewall. For proper security management, firewalls must be established between every network connected to the internet.

What are the Benefits of Network topology?
What are the Disadvantages of Network Topology?
What is the Importance of Network Topology?
1. Star Topology
2. Bus Topology
3. Ring Topology
4. Mesh Topology
5. Tree Topology
6. Hybrid Topology
Which Network Topology is Best Used in a LAN?
Which Network Topology is Used in the WAN?
Where Should the Firewall be Placed in the Network Topology?

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Secure data transmission from azure sql server to corporate firewall: leveraging vpn technologies, using common firewalls, popular essay topics.

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Types of Network Topology

Network topology refers to the arrangement of different elements like nodes, links, or devices in a computer network. It defines how these components are connected and interact with each other. Understanding various types of network topologies helps in designing efficient and robust networks. Common types include bus, star, ring, mesh, and tree topologies, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we are going to discuss different types of network topology their advantages and disadvantages in detail.

The arrangement of a network that comprises nodes and connecting lines via sender and receiver is referred to as Network Topology . The various network topologies are:

Point to Point Topology

Mesh Topology

Star Topology

Bus Topology

Ring Topology

Tree Topology

Hybrid Topology

A strong understanding of network topologies is essential for competitive exams like GATE, where computer networks are a significant subject. To deepen your knowledge and enhance your exam preparation, consider enrolling in the GATE CS Self-Paced Course . This course covers all critical networking concepts, including detailed explanations of various network topologies, equipping you with the expertise needed to excel in your exams.

Point-to-point topology is a type of topology that works on the functionality of the sender and receiver. It is the simplest communication between two nodes, in which one is the sender and the other one is the receiver. Point-to-Point provides high bandwidth.

In a mesh topology, every device is connected to another device via a particular channel. In Mesh Topology, the protocols used are AHCP (Ad Hoc Configuration Protocols), DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), etc.

Figure 1 : Every device is connected to another via dedicated channels. These channels are known as links.

Suppose, the N number of devices are connected with each other in a mesh topology, the total number of ports that are required by each device is N-1. In Figure 1, there are 5 devices connected to each other, hence the total number of ports required by each device is 4. The total number of ports required = N * (N-1).
Suppose, N number of devices are connected with each other in a mesh topology, then the total number of dedicated links required to connect them is N C 2 i.e. N(N-1)/2. In Figure 1, there are 5 devices connected to each other, hence the total number of links required is 5*4/2 = 10.

Advantages of Mesh Topology

Communication is very fast between the nodes.
Mesh Topology is robust.
The fault is diagnosed easily. Data is reliable because data is transferred among the devices through dedicated channels or links.
Provides security and privacy.

Disadvantages of Mesh Topology

Installation and configuration are difficult.
The cost of cables is high as bulk wiring is required, hence suitable for less number of devices.
The cost of maintenance is high.

A common example of mesh topology is the internet backbone, where various internet service providers are connected to each other via dedicated channels. This topology is also used in military communication systems and aircraft navigation systems.

For more, refer to the Advantages and Disadvantages of Mesh Topology .

In Star Topology, all the devices are connected to a single hub through a cable. This hub is the central node and all other nodes are connected to the central node. The hub can be passive in nature i.e., not an intelligent hub such as broadcasting devices, at the same time the hub can be intelligent known as an active hub. Active hubs have repeaters in them. Coaxial cables or RJ-45 cables are used to connect the computers. In Star Topology, many popular Ethernet LAN protocols are used as CD(Collision Detection), CSMA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access), etc.

Figure 2 : A star topology having four systems connected to a single point of connection i.e. hub.

Advantages of Star Topology

If N devices are connected to each other in a star topology, then the number of cables required to connect them is N. So, it is easy to set up.
Each device requires only 1 port i.e. to connect to the hub, therefore the total number of ports required is N.
It is Robust. If one link fails only that link will affect and not other than that.
Easy to fault identification and fault isolation.
Star topology is cost-effective as it uses inexpensive coaxial cable.

Disadvantages of Star Topology

If the concentrator (hub) on which the whole topology relies fails, the whole system will crash down.
The cost of installation is high.
Performance is based on the single concentrator i.e. hub.

A common example of star topology is a local area network (LAN) in an office where all computers are connected to a central hub. This topology is also used in wireless networks where all devices are connected to a wireless access point.

For more, refer to the Advantages and Disadvantages of Star Topology.

Bus Topology is a network type in which every computer and network device is connected to a single cable. It is bi-directional. It is a multi-point connection and a non-robust topology because if the backbone fails the topology crashes. In Bus Topology, various MAC (Media Access Control) protocols are followed by LAN ethernet connections like TDMA , Pure Aloha , CDMA, Slotted Aloha , etc.

Figure 3 : A bus topology with shared backbone cable. The nodes are connected to the channel via drop lines.

Advantages of Bus Topology

If N devices are connected to each other in a bus topology, then the number of cables required to connect them is 1, known as backbone cable, and N drop lines are required.
Coaxial or twisted pair cables are mainly used in bus-based networks that support up to 10 Mbps.
The cost of the cable is less compared to other topologies, but it is used to build small networks.
Bus topology is familiar technology as installation and troubleshooting techniques are well known.
CSMA is the most common method for this type of topology.

Disadvantages of Bus Topology

A bus topology is quite simpler, but still, it requires a lot of cabling.
If the common cable fails, then the whole system will crash down.
If the network traffic is heavy, it increases collisions in the network. To avoid this, various protocols are used in the MAC layer known as Pure Aloha, Slotted Aloha, CSMA/CD, etc.
Adding new devices to the network would slow down networks.
Security is very low.

A common example of bus topology is the Ethernet LAN, where all devices are connected to a single coaxial cable or twisted pair cable. This topology is also used in cable television networks. For more, refer to the Advantages and Disadvantages of Bus Topology .

In a Ring Topology, it forms a ring connecting devices with exactly two neighboring devices. A number of repeaters are used for Ring topology with a large number of nodes, because if someone wants to send some data to the last node in the ring topology with 100 nodes, then the data will have to pass through 99 nodes to reach the 100th node. Hence to prevent data loss repeaters are used in the network.

The data flows in one direction, i.e. it is unidirectional, but it can be made bidirectional by having 2 connections between each Network Node, it is called Dual Ring Topology. In-Ring Topology, the Token Ring Passing protocol is used by the workstations to transmit the data.

Figure 4 : A ring topology comprises 4 stations connected with each forming a ring.

The most common access method of ring topology is token passing.

Token passing: It is a network access method in which a token is passed from one node to another node.
Token: It is a frame that circulates around the network.

Operations of Ring Topology

One station is known as a monitor station which takes all the responsibility for performing the operations.
To transmit the data, the station has to hold the token. After the transmission is done, the token is to be released for other stations to use.
When no station is transmitting the data, then the token will circulate in the ring.
There are two types of token release techniques: Early token release releases the token just after transmitting the data and Delayed token release releases the token after the acknowledgment is received from the receiver.

Advantages of Ring Topology

The data transmission is high-speed.
The possibility of collision is minimum in this type of topology.
Cheap to install and expand.
It is less costly than a star topology.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology

The failure of a single node in the network can cause the entire network to fail.
Troubleshooting is difficult in this topology.
The addition of stations in between or the removal of stations can disturb the whole topology.
Less secure.

For more, refer to the Advantages and Disadvantages of Ring Topology .

This topology is the variation of the Star topology. This topology has a hierarchical flow of data. In Tree Topology, protocols like DHCP and SAC (Standard Automatic Configuration ) are used.

Figure 5 : In this, the various secondary hubs are connected to the central hub which contains the repeater. This data flow from top to bottom i.e. from the central hub to the secondary and then to the devices or from bottom to top i.e. devices to the secondary hub and then to the central hub. It is a multi-point connection and a non-robust topology because if the backbone fails the topology crashes.

Advantages of Tree Topology

It allows more devices to be attached to a single central hub thus it decreases the distance that is traveled by the signal to come to the devices.
It allows the network to get isolated and also prioritize from different computers.
We can add new devices to the existing network.
Error detection and error correction are very easy in a tree topology.

Disadvantages of Tree Topology

If the central hub gets fails the entire system fails.
The cost is high because of the cabling.
If new devices are added, it becomes difficult to reconfigure.

A common example of a tree topology is the hierarchy in a large organization. At the top of the tree is the CEO, who is connected to the different departments or divisions (child nodes) of the company. Each department has its own hierarchy, with managers overseeing different teams (grandchild nodes). The team members (leaf nodes) are at the bottom of the hierarchy, connected to their respective managers and departments.

For more, refer to the Advantages and Disadvantages of Tree Topology .

This topological technology is the combination of all the various types of topologies we have studied above. Hybrid Topology is used when the nodes are free to take any form. It means these can be individuals such as Ring or Star topology or can be a combination of various types of topologies seen above. Each individual topology uses the protocol that has been discussed earlier.

The above figure shows the structure of the Hybrid topology. As seen it contains a combination of all different types of networks.

Advantages of Hybrid Topology

This topology is very flexible .
The size of the network can be easily expanded by adding new devices.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology

It is challenging to design the architecture of the Hybrid Network.
Hubs used in this topology are very expensive.
The infrastructure cost is very high as a hybrid network requires a lot of cabling and network devices .

A common example of a hybrid topology is a university campus network. The network may have a backbone of a star topology, with each building connected to the backbone through a switch or router. Within each building, there may be a bus or ring topology connecting the different rooms and offices. The wireless access points also create a mesh topology for wireless devices. This hybrid topology allows for efficient communication between different buildings while providing flexibility and redundancy within each building.

For more, refer to the Advantages and Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology .

In conclusion, network topologies play a crucial role in determining the efficiency and reliability of a computer network. Each topology, whether it’s bus, star, ring, mesh, or tree, offers unique benefits and potential drawbacks. By understanding these different arrangements, network designers can choose the most appropriate topology to meet the specific needs of their systems, ensuring optimal performance and connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions on Network Topology – FAQs

What is the main benefit of tree topology.

Tree topology combines characteristics of star and bus topologies. It supports future expandability of the network and provides efficient data management

Which topology is best for large networks?

For large networks, mesh and tree topologies are often preferred. Mesh topology offers high reliability and redundancy, while tree topology supports scalability and efficient data organization.

Can different topologies be combined in a single network?

Yes, different topologies can be combined in a hybrid topology to take advantage of the strengths of each type, improving overall network performance and reliability.

How do I choose the right network topology for my needs?

Choosing the right network topology depends on factors such as the size of your network, budget, desired performance, and the need for reliability and scalability. Assess your specific requirements to make an informed decision.

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What Is Network Topology? Types, Diagrams, and Benefits

May 1, 2023

Why is network topology important?

Types of network topology.

Hybrid network topologies

Mapping network topologies

Benefits of mapping network topology, challenges of network mapping, how to choose the best network topology, network topology tools and software.

The structure of any network directly has an impact on its functioning. Consider a metaphor for a transportation network (roads, highways, railroads). If any of these links were to go down unexpectedly, the capacity to deliver food, clothing, and goods would be severely hampered to its "end users" (its residents).

Similarly, considering the networks in business, it is safe to say that they are extremely crucial.

System administrators need network management tools to keep tabs on a large organization's network devices, and network topology is a valuable tool for this purpose. But what is it? How does topology work in a network? How can businesses harness it for better network management?

Let’s find out!

What is network topology?

Network topology is the physical and analytical arrangement of nodes and links in a network, often represented in the form of a diagram or a map.

Network topologies define the layout of networks and the relative placement of traffic flows. Using network topology diagrams, admins can efficiently place each node for successful data transmission .

The network's architecture significantly impacts its ability to perform its intended functions, maintain connectivity, and prevent outages. The question, “What is network topology?” may be addressed with an understanding of the two groups in the network topology.

Physical: The physical network topology refers to the connections (wires, cables, etc.) of the network's construction. The physical network is concerned with setup, maintenance, and deployment.
Logical: The logical network topology is an overarching understanding of the network construction, including which nodes are connected and how data is transmitted across the network. The topology of a logical network includes physical, virtual, and cloud components.

Effective IoT security , network monitoring, and management require a solid understanding of both the physical and logical topology of a network to ensure that a network is efficient and reliable.

The performance of a network is significantly affected by its topology. A well-chosen and regularly maintained network topology improves performance metrics such as energy efficiency and data transfer rates.

A network topology diagram is a visual representation and interactive tool for network architecture and design. These illustrations are essential for several reasons, but most importantly, for their ability to visualize physical and logical layouts so administrators can identify connections between devices when troubleshooting.

The type of network topology depends on the network construction. Several network configurations are available, each with advantages and disadvantages; some are more optimal than others under certain conditions.

Building a local area network (LAN) topology can make or break a business. Whatever your network's scope and goals, you can choose from various network topologies, each with advantages and disadvantages.

1. Star topology

The most common is the star topology, where every node is directly linked to a single central hub via coaxial, twisted-pair, or fiber-optic cable. This central node is a server. It controls data transmission and works as a repeater to minimize data loss. Repeaters are computer network components that regenerate or amplify inbound signals before retransmitting them.

Pros of star topology: Star topologies make managing an entire network convenient from a single location. It’s a robust and secure network design since each node is individually connected to the central hub; if one fails, the rest of the network continues operating as usual. You can also add, delete, and modify devices without taking the network offline.

Cons of star topology: If the central hub fails, the rest of the network stops working. The configurations and technical specifications of the central node limit the bandwidth and performance of the network as a whole. This makes star topologies expensive to set up and run.

2. Ring topology

Nodes in ring topology are set up in a circle (or a ring). The data can move through the ring network in either direction since each device has exactly two neighbors.

Pros of ring topology: Ring topologies are usually cost-effective and easy to set up. The complex point-to-point connections between the nodes make identifying flaws or wrong configurations easy. Additionally, only one station on the network can send data at a time. This lowers the chance of packet collisions and makes ring topologies efficient at errorless data transmissions.

Cons of ring topology: Since data can only move in one direction between nodes on each ring, it takes the whole network if one node goes down. Further, the whole network has to be taken offline if you want to change how it works or add or remove nodes. And while that's not the end of the world, planning network downtime can be laborious and expensive.

3. Mesh topology

A mesh network is a complex structure comprising point-to-point connections where the nodes meet. Mesh networks can be either full or partial. In partial mesh, the nodes only have two or three connections, while in an entire mesh topology, all nodes are interconnected.

Mesh topologies look like a web; they have two ways to send data: routing and flooding. When data is routed, the nodes use logic to find the shortest path from the source to the destination. When data is flooded, the information is sent to all nodes in the network without using logic for routing.

Pros of mesh topology: Mesh topologies are dependable and stable. The network is less likely to fail because of all the node connections. For instance, if one device goes down, it can't take the whole network down.

Cons of mesh topology: Mesh topologies require a huge amount of work. Once deployed, each link between nodes needs a cable and configuration, which takes time to set up. As with other topologies, cabling costs add up quickly, and it would be an understatement to say that mesh networks need a lot of cabling!

4. Bus topology

In a bus topology, all the devices on a network are set up along a single cable that runs from one end of the network to the other. This is often called a "line topology" or "backbone topology". The direction of data flow on the network is the same as the direction of the cable.

Pros of bus topology: Bus topologies are a valuable and inexpensive option for smaller networks because they have a simple layout that lets all devices connect with a single coaxial or RJ45 cable. Adding more nodes by connecting cables is easy if more nodes are needed.

Cons of star topology: Unfortunately, they’re less safe than other topologies because they only use one cable to send data. If the cable breaks, the whole network is gone. It can take a long time and a lot of money to fix.

5. Tree topology

As the name suggests, the core node serves as a network trunk in a tree topology, and other nodes radiate outward in a branch-like pattern. The tree topology is a combination of both the bus and star topologies. A tree topology features a parent-child arrangement with its nodes. Two linked nodes only share one mutual connection because the ones attached to the central hub are linked linearly to other nodes.

Wide area networks frequently employ the tree topology structure to accommodate numerous dispersed devices.

Pros of tree topology: Combining components of the star and bus topologies makes it easy to add nodes and make the network bigger. It's also simple to figure out what's wrong with the network because admins can test each branch for performance problems on its own.

Cons of tree topology: The health of the root node affects the whole network in a tree topology. If the central hub fails, the connections between the node branches break, but the connections between branch systems stay the same. Furthermore, when you add more nodes to a tree topology, it can quickly become hard to manage and cost a lot of money to do so. This is because the network layout is hierarchical and linear.

Hybrid network topologies

Hybrid topologies integrate two or more different topological structures. For example, the tree topology combines the bus and star patterns. Hybrid architectures are most popular in organizations where each department has a network topology according to their demands and network consumption.

The fundamental benefit of hybrid architectures is their flexibility, as there are few network construction limits that a hybrid configuration cannot support.

Topology diagrams are helpful when you’re beginning to design a network. They let you observe how the information will travel, allowing you to forecast possible bottlenecks. Visual representation facilitates the creation of an efficient network design while also serving as a helpful reference point for troubleshooting.

A topology diagram teaches you about your own network's operation. It can help you see which equipment or nodes require monitoring, updating, or replacement.

Example of real-time network mapping and inventory Image source: Auvik

This process should begin with a list of all network devices. This list includes routers, firewalls , and servers. You should then determine the network topology, which will aid in drawing the network topology diagram. It is vital to ensure that the devices are positioned in the regions that make the most sense for data exchange , after which lines can be drawn from the network devices. These lines are a representation of the connections between the network nodes.

Tip: Try to keep the diagram simple and easy to understand. Avoid having too many lines crossing each other. When designing the diagram, pay attention to scalability and possible adjustments.

After creating a preliminary sketch of the overall input, we can use diagramming tools to help visualize it. A template for a network diagram may be included in the software. The network nodes can be labeled, and the lines can be color-coded for a clear diagram.

A well-defined network topology makes it easier for network administrators to enhance planning, troubleshoot issues, strengthen security, and allocate network resources.

Improved planning: Network topology offers a thorough insight into utilization patterns for all network components. You can add or delete additional assets based on whether specific assets are used too much or too little.
Visibility for troubleshooting: Users can understand their networks by mapping the physical and logical networks. A physical network map displays connections between equipment, including cables, servers, racks, and routers. A logical network shows data flow points such as switches, routers, firewalls, and gateways. This aids in accurately pinpointing the location of the problem by helping users visualize the physical and logical components of their network architecture.
Streamlining security enhancement: Real-time network mapping allows users to discover erroneous or suspicious connections and block them from the network.

With all its benefits, developing and maintaining network maps isn't as simple as it seems. It involves labor-intensive manual work, ongoing network probing, and regular status reports. Businesses often face hurdles while developing effective network topology maps.

How to update network changes consistently. Because most networks are dynamic, your network map should also evolve with your network. Only updated network maps are helpful for their intended purposes, whereas obsolete ones can be misleading.
How to gain access and insight over many network maps. Network administrators use various maps and mapping methods to cover their networks completely. They have to jump between many tools and solutions to build, examine, and alter these maps, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
How to keep up with new technologies. Network administrators should ensure their tools are regularly updated and patched to support new technologies and reduce the risks of emerging network vulnerabilities, even when using effective network automation software .

No network topology is perfect or even fundamentally better than others. You’ll determine the best structure for your organization by considering the demands and scale of your network. These are the main factors to consider.

Length of cable: The more cable used in network topology, the more labor it requires for its setup.
Type of cable: Choose the cable based on the demands of your company’s network, such as the applications, transmission distance, and desired performance. For example, the cost of twisted-pair cables is lower than that of coaxial cables, but the former has less bandwidth. Fiber-optic cables work well and send data faster than twisted-pair or coaxial cables. However, they’re usually much more expensive to install.
Cost expenditures: Given that more complex network topologies require more time and resources, the installation cost is an important consideration.
Scalability: Using an easily adaptable network topology initially will save you time and trouble if you plan to grow your network and business.

The need to invest in network management tools with visualization features is growing as more and more network devices are added to a company's assets. Different tools are available, like setup and administration tools, network performance software, and network mapping software.

For instance, network configuration software automates repetitive activities. This tech can automatically discover network nodes, highlight risks, and frequently contribute to creating complex network topologies.

Depending on specific company objectives, finding more straightforward software might be challenging, given the abundance of such solutions on the market. Below is the list of buyers looking for top-notch network management software.

Top 5 network management software:

Progress WhatsUp Gold
Ubiquiti Network Management System
BloxOne DDI

* Above are the five leading network management software solutions from G2’s Spring 2023 Grid® Report .

Your network is your net worth

Your network topology maps must be closely aligned with the consumption needs of your network as a company. Configuration management, visual mapping, and general performance monitoring are essential components of topology management. The primary goal is understanding your objectives to properly develop and maintain your organization's network architecture.

With a well-defined and well-planned network topology, your company can quickly identify and troubleshoot problems, improving the effectiveness of data transmission and transport.

Interested in finding out more about network topology? Learn how network topologies make network management easier !

Samudyata Bhat is a Content Marketing Specialist at G2. With a Master's degree in digital marketing, she currently specializes her content around SaaS, hybrid cloud, network management, and IT infrastructure. She aspires to connect with present-day trends through data-driven analysis and experimentation and create effective and meaningful content. In her spare time, she can be found exploring unique cafes and trying different types of coffee.

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→ 4. Computer Networks
→ LAN Topologies

Bus Network

Is cheap to install (just one long cable)
Can be quite slow since all computers share the same cable when communicating
Will stop working if there is a break in the central bus cable .

Ring Network

Can cope with a break in the ring cable since all computers are still joined together (it is now a bus network)

Star Network

Is quite expensive to install (you have to buy lots of cable and the central device )
Is very fast since each computer has its own cable which it doesn’t need to share
Can cope with a broken cable (only one computer will be affected)
Will stop working if the central device breaks
Is the most common network topology

Hybrid Network

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essay questions on network topology

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Networks and Their Topology, Essay Example

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Network Topologies Explained with Examples

Bus topology

Ring topology

Star topology

Hybrid Topology

Mesh Topology

Point-to-multipoint topology

Point-to-point topology

A review of Network Topology

4 Citations

Information dissemination in VANETs based upon a tree topology

Network Topologies: Definition, Types, Examples and Importance

What is Network Topology? ​

What are the Benefits of Network topology? ​

What are the Disadvantages of Network Topology? ​

What is the Importance of Network Topology? ​

What are the Types of Network Topology? ​

1. Star Topology ​

2. Bus Topology ​

3. Ring Topology ​

4. Mesh Topology ​

5. Tree Topology ​

6. Hybrid Topology ​

How to Determine Your Network Topology? ​

Which Network Topology is Best Used in a LAN? ​

Which Network Topology is Used in the WAN? ​

Where Should the Firewall be Placed in the Network Topology? ​

Network Topology Essays

Types of Network Topology

Frequently Asked Questions on Network Topology – FAQs

Which topology is best for large networks?

Can different topologies be combined in a single network?

How do I choose the right network topology for my needs?

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What Is Network Topology? Types, Diagrams, and Benefits

Why is network topology important?

Mapping network topologies

What is network topology?

1. Star topology

2. Ring topology

3. Mesh topology

4. Bus topology

5. Tree topology

Hybrid network topologies

Top 5 network management software:

Your network is your net worth

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Bus Network

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What is Network Topology?

What are the Benefits of Network topology?

What are the Disadvantages of Network Topology?

What is the Importance of Network Topology?

What are the Types of Network Topology?

1. Star Topology

2. Bus Topology

3. Ring Topology

4. Mesh Topology

5. Tree Topology

6. Hybrid Topology

How to Determine Your Network Topology?

Which Network Topology is Best Used in a LAN?

Which Network Topology is Used in the WAN?

Where Should the Firewall be Placed in the Network Topology?