Network Topology

Definition: A Network Topology is the arrangement with which the computer

systems and other devices are connected to each other. Topologies define both
the physical and logical structures of the network. In a network, the physical
and logical topologies can either be the same or different.

Point-to-Point
Point-to-point networks connect exactly two devices, such as computers,
switches, routers, or servers, using a single cable. Typically, one device's
receiving end connects to the other's sending end, and vice versa.
In a logical point-to-point connection, intermediate devices may exist, but the
end devices view the connection as direct, unaware of the underlying network.

Bus Topology
In a Bus topology, all devices share a single communication line or cable. When
multiple devices send data simultaneously, it can cause collisions. To address
this, Bus topology uses CSMA/CD technology or designates one device as the
Bus Master.
This is a simple networking structure where the failure of one device does not
affect others. However, if the shared communication line fails, the entire
network stops functioning.
Both ends of the cable have line terminators. Data travels in one direction, and
once it reaches the end, the terminator removes it from the line.

Star Topology
In a Star topology, all devices are connected to a central hub using point-to-
point connections. Each device has a dedicated link to the hub, which can be
any central device like a switch or router.
The hub device can be any of the following:

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 Layer-1 devices such as a hub or repeater
Layer-2 devices such as switch or bridge
Layer-3 device such as router or gateway
Similar to a Bus topology, the hub is a single point of failure. If the hub fails, all
devices lose connectivity with each other. All communication between devices
passes through the hub.
Star topology is cost-effective and easy to configure, as adding a new device
requires only one cable.

Ring Topology
In a Ring topology, each device connects to exactly two others, forming a
circular network structure. When a device communicates with a non-adjacent
device, data passes through all intermediate devices. Adding a new device
requires only one additional cable.
A failure in any device or connection disrupts the entire network, making every
link a potential point of failure. Some implementations use a backup ring to
improve reliability.

Mesh Topology
In a Mesh topology, devices are connected either to all other devices (full
mesh) or only to specific devices (partial mesh).

a. Full Mesh:

In a Full Mesh topology, every device is directly connected to every other

device in the network through point-to-point links. This requires n(n−1)/2
connections for n devices, making it the most reliable but also the most
complex and costly topology.
b. Partial Mesh:

In a Partial Mesh topology, not all devices are directly connected. Some
devices have direct links, while others rely on intermediate devices. This
setup is used where reliability is needed for specific devices without the
high cost of a full mesh.

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 Tree Topology
Also known as Hierarchical Topology, Tree topology is widely used in modern
networks. It extends the Star topology and incorporates features of the Bus
topology.

The network is divided into multiple levels or layers:

1. Access Layer: The lowest layer, where computers are connected.

2. Distribution Layer: The middle layer, acting as a mediator between the

access and core layers.

3. Core Layer: The top layer, serves as the central point or root from which all
nodes branch out.

In this topology, neighbouring devices have point-to-point connections.. Similar

to the Bus
topology, if the root goes down, then the entire network suffers even. though it
is not the
single point of failure. Every connection serves as a point of failure, the failure
of which divides
the network into unreachable segments.

Daisy Chain Topology

In Daisy Chain topology, all devices are connected linearly. Similar to Ring
topology, each device connects to two others, except the end devices. If the
end devices are also connected, it forms a Ring topology.

Each link is a single point of failure. If a link fails, the network splits into two
segments. Intermediate devices act as relays for their neighbouring devices.

Hybrid Topology
A network structure whose design contains more than one topology is said to
be hybrid
topology. It inherits both the advantages and disadvantages of the topologies it
incorporates.

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 For example, a network may combine elements of Star, Ring, Bus, and Daisy
Chain topologies. Many WANs use Dual-Ring topology, with connected
networks often following a Star structure. The Internet is the largest example of
a Hybrid topology.

Example Use
Topology Description Advantages Disadvantages
Cases

Direct
Simple, fast, Limited to two Printer-to-
connection
Point-to-Point and reliable for devices; not computer
between two
two devices. scalable. connection.
devices.

Network failure
if the main
All devices
Cost-effective, cable fails; Small LANs
share a single
Bus Topology easy to limited data with limited
communication
implement. transfer speed devices.
line or cable.
in larger
networks.

All devices Easy to set up, Office

Failure of the
connect to a scalable, and networks with
Star Topology hub affects the
central hub or isolates faults centralized
entire network.
switch. effectively. control.

Devices form a Failure of one

Organized data
circular device affects
transmission;
connection, the entire Optical fiber
Ring Topology suitable for
each network unless networks.
token-passing
connecting to a backup ring is
networks.
two others. used.

High reliability,
Devices Expensive and
redundancy, Critical
connect complex;
Mesh and fault networks like
directly to all or requires a lot of
Topology tolerance military or
some other cables and
(especially in banking.
devices. connections.
Full Mesh).

Hierarchical Scalable; Root failure can

structure with supports both impact the Large
Tree Topology layers (access, centralized and entire network; organizational
distribution, distributed complex networks.
and core). networks. structure.

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 Devices Single link
connected in a failure splits the
Easy to Temporary or
linear network;
Daisy Chain implement and small-scale
sequence; intermediate
extend. networks.
ends may form devices are
a ring. relays.

Complex to
Flexible, design and
Combination of WANs, the
scalable, and maintain;
Hybrid two or more Internet, and
accommodates inherits
Topology different large corporate
varied weaknesses of
topologies. networks.
requirements. included
topologies.

Network Topology 5