Network Pathologies

Network topologies describe the physical or logical layout

of computer networks. Here are the most common
network topologies:

## 1. Bus Topology

All devices are connected on a single main cable. It is

simple and economical, but there may be traffic
congestion and safety problems.

### Advantages of Bus Topology:

- Simple and economical installation

- Less cable usage
- Ease of adding new device
- Suitable for small networks

### Disadvantages of Bus Topology:

- Traffic density problems

- Security vulnerabilities
- A fault in the main cable affects the entire network
- Network performance decreases as the number of
devices increases
- Data collisions may occur

These advantages and disadvantages determine the areas

of use and limitations of the bus topology. It can be
especially preferred for small-scale and budget-
constrained projects, but it is not suitable for large and
complex networks.

## 2. Star Topology

All devices are connected to a central hub or switch. It is

easy to manage and the failure of one device does not
affect the others.

Switch plays a very important role in star topology:

- Data Routing: The switch routes incoming data packets to

the correct target device.
- Network Segmentation: Improves performance by
dividing the network into logical segments.
- Collision Avoidance: Improves network efficiency by
preventing data collisions.
- Bandwidth Management: Optimizes network speed by
providing separate bandwidth to each port.
- Security: It offers basic security measures such as MAC
address filtering.

As the central component of the star topology, the switch

significantly improves the performance, reliability and
manageability of the network.

Wiring in the star topology is performed as follows:

- Each device is connected directly to a central point

(usually a switch or hub).
- Usually UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) or STP (Shielded
Twisted Pair) cables are used.
- A separate cable line is required for each device, so the
cable usage is high.
- The wiring layout is star-shaped, radiating outward from
the central point.
- Cable lengths are limited depending on the physical size
of the network and the type of cable used (usually up to
100 meters).

This wiring structure supports the ease of management

and error isolation of the star topology, but requires more
cable use.

### Advantages of Star Topology:

- Easy management and troubleshooting

- High performance and low latency
- The failure of one device does not affect the others
- Ease of adding new devices to the network
- Possibility of centralized security control

### Disadvantages of Star Topology:

- Dependence on the central device (switch or hub)

- More cable usage
- Central device failure affects the entire network
- Cost increase in large networks
- The capacity of the central device limits the network size

These advantages and disadvantages explain the reasons

why the star topology is preferred, especially in medium-
and large-scale networks. Ease of management and high
performance make this topology popular, despite its
disadvantages.

## 3. Star-Bus Topology

The Star-Bus topology is a combination of star and bus

topologies. This hybrid approach combines the
advantages of both topologies.

In the Star-Bus topology:

- Multiple star topologies are connected to each other via a

bus topology.
- Each star topology has a switch or hub in itself.
- These switches or hubs are connected to a central bus
line.

### Advantages of Star-Bus Topology:

- Scalability: It is easier to manage large networks.
- Flexibility: Combines the advantages of star and bus
topologies.
- Fault tolerance: A fault in one star segment does not
affect the others.
- Easy expansion: Adding new segments is relatively
simple.

### Disadvantages of Star-Bus Topology:

- Complexity: Management and maintenance may be more

difficult.
- Cost: Requires both star and bus components, which can
increase the cost.
- Performance bottlenecks: Traffic density may occur on
the main bus line.

The Star-Bus topology is especially suitable for large-scale

applications such as campus networks or large corporate
networks. This topology maintains the overall connectivity
while effectively managing the different parts of the
network.
## 4. Ring Topology

The devices are connected together in such a way that

they form a closed loop. The data moves in one direction
and each device acts as a relay.

### Advantages of Ring Topology:

- Equal access time in data transmission

- No dependence on a central device
- Simple and cost-effective installation
- High performance (especially in low traffic situations)

### Disadvantages of Ring Topology:

- Failure of one device can affect the entire network

- Adding new devices to the network may be difficult
- Delay in data transmission (especially on large networks)
- Inefficiency due to one-way data flow
These advantages and disadvantages determine the areas
of use of the ring topology. It is usually preferred in small-
scale networks or industrial control systems.

## 5. Mesh Topology

Each device is directly connected to all other devices. It

provides high reliability and fault tolerance, but is complex
and costly.

### Advantages of Mesh Topology:

- High reliability and fault tolerance

- Multi-path option for data transmission
- Possibility of load balancing
- Scalability
- Privacy and security

### Disadvantages of Mesh Topology:

- High installation and maintenance cost

- Complex network management
- Excess cable or wireless port requirement
- Management difficulty in large networks
- Potentially high energy consumption

The mesh topology is especially preferred for military

applications, emergency services and IoT (Internet of
Things) networks that require high reliability. The fact that
each device is directly connected to all other devices
increases the durability of the network, but at the same
time increases the complexity and cost.

## 6. Tree Topology

It has a hierarchical structure and is usually used in large

networks. It can be considered as an extended version of
the star topology.

Each topology has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Factors such as the size of the network, its purpose, and
budget determine which topology to choose.

### Advantages of Tree Topology:

- Scalability: Easily expandable
- Hierarchical structure: Makes management easier
- Segment isolation: A problem in one segment does not
affect others
- High performance: Effective in data transmission
- Easy error detection: Problem areas can be isolated
quickly

### Disadvantages of Tree Topology:

- Central dependence: The failure of the upper nodes

affects the lower segments
- Complexity: It can be difficult to manage on large
networks
- Cost: Requires a high number of switches or hubs
- Cable usage: May require a large amount of cable
- Performance bottlenecks: Traffic may be concentrated at
the top nodes

The tree topology is especially suitable for large corporate

networks, university campuses or wide area networks
(WAN). Its hierarchical structure facilitates network
management and expansion, but the critical importance of
parent nodes requires careful planning.