DATA COMMUNICATION AND

NETWORKING
Name: KALE NIRANT MANESH Assignment 08:
Roll No.: 231015 Configure or create a small
PRN: 22310432 network using star, ring, hybrid,
tree and mesh topology.
BATCH: SY-IT-A1

1. Star Topology
Definition:
In a star topology, all devices (nodes) are connected to a central hub or switch.
Each device has a dedicated point-to-point connection to the hub.
Advantages:
 Easy to Install and Manage: The star topology is straightforward to
install. Adding or removing devices does not disrupt the network.
 Failure Isolation: If one connection fails, it does not affect the others.
Only the device connected to the failed link is affected.
 Scalability: New devices can easily be added to the network without
major changes.
Disadvantages:
 Central Point of Failure: If the central hub or switch fails, the entire
network goes down.
 Cost: Requires more cabling than some other topologies (like bus), which
can increase installation costs.
 Performance: Performance can degrade with an excessive number of
connected devices, as the hub can become a bottleneck.

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2. Ring Topology
Definition:
In a ring topology, each device is connected to two others, forming a circular
pathway for data. Data travels in one direction (or both in dual-ring topologies).
Advantages:
 Orderly Network Traffic: Data packets travel in one direction, reducing
the chance of data collisions.
 Easy to Troubleshoot: Problems can be quickly identified by following
the data flow around the ring.
Disadvantages:
 Single Point of Failure: If one device fails or a connection is broken, it
can disrupt the entire network.
 Difficult to Add Devices: Adding or removing devices can disrupt the
network and requires temporarily breaking the ring.
 Latency: The time taken for data to travel around the ring can increase
with more devices.

3. Hybrid Topology
Definition:
A hybrid topology combines two or more different types of topologies, such as
star, ring, or bus. It is often used in larger networks.
Advantages:
 Flexibility: Organizations can use the most appropriate topology for
different segments of the network.
 Scalability: New devices or topologies can be added without affecting
existing structures.
 Improved Performance: Depending on the configuration, it can reduce
network traffic and improve overall performance.
Disadvantages:
 Complexity: The setup and management can become complex due to the
combination of different topologies.
 Cost: More expensive to implement due to the need for various devices
and cabling.

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  Maintenance Challenges: Requires careful management to ensure all
segments work correctly.

4. Tree Topology
Definition:
A tree topology is a hierarchical structure that combines characteristics of star
and bus topologies. It consists of a root node and sub-nodes, forming a tree-like
structure.
Advantages:
 Hierarchical Structure: Makes it easier to manage and understand the
network layout.
 Scalability: Easily add more devices and branches to the tree without
major changes.
 Isolation of Segments: If one branch fails, the others remain functional.
Disadvantages:
 Dependency on the Root Node: The failure of the root node can impact
the entire network.
 Complexity: Can become complex and hard to manage if not well-
organized.
 Cost: More cabling and devices required than simpler topologies.

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5. Mesh Topology
Definition:
In a mesh topology, every device is connected to every other device. This offers
high redundancy and reliability.
Advantages:
 High Reliability: Redundant connections mean that if one link fails, data
can take an alternative path.
 Fault Isolation: Problems can be easily isolated since multiple
connections exist.
 High Performance: No data collisions due to multiple pathways.
Disadvantages:
 High Cost: Requires significant cabling and network devices, making it
expensive to implement.
 Complexity in Configuration: The complexity increases with more
devices, making setup and management challenging.
 Difficult Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting can become complicated due
to the numerous connections.

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