Network Topologies

Bus Topology

A bus topology involves each computer or network device being connected to a single central cable, known as the bus.
If the bus fails, the whole network fails.
Data sent by a device travels along the bus to every device on the network, but only the intended recipient accepts and processes the data.
This topology is simple and cheap to set up, but it is slow and not very scalable.

Ring Topology

A ring topology involves each computer or network device being connected to two other devices, forming a closed loop or ‘ring’.
Data travels in one direction around the ring until it reaches its destination.
If one device fails, it can disrupt the whole network.
While this topology is also quite simple, it is relatively slow as each data packet must pass through several nodes before reaching its destination.

Star Topology

A star topology involves each computer or network device being directly connected to a central device, such as a switch or server.
The central device manages the communication between all other devices.
If one device fails, it does not affect the rest of the network. However, if the central device fails, the entire network goes down.
This topology is fast and easy to manage, but it can be expensive to set up due to the need for extra hardware.

Mesh Topology

A mesh topology involves each computer or network device being connected to every other device.
Provides multiple paths for data to travel, which increases redundancy and makes the network very reliable.
If one device fails, it does not affect the rest of the network as there are multiple paths for data to travel.
This topology offers high performance, but it is expensive and complex to set up and manage due to the large number of connections.

Tree Topology

A tree topology is a combination of the star and bus topologies. The “tree” has a central root node (like a bus), and all other nodes connect to the network via star-like branches.
Information from the root node can quickly reach all other nodes and vice versa.
Failure of one node does not necessarily disrupt the entire network, unless it’s a key node on a main branch.
However, tree topology requires a lot of cabling, which can be both expensive and challenging to set up.

Remember, each topology type presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The choice of topology often depends on the specific needs and resources of the network or organisation.

Network Components and Devices

Hubs, switches, routers and gateways are all important components in a network.
Hubs and switches are used to connect multiple devices on the same network.
Routers are used to connect multiple networks and direct traffic between them, while gateways act as a ‘door’, connecting two networks that use different protocols.
Understanding the function of these components is critical in understanding network setup and functionality.