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TOPOLOGY
Topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of computers or nodes in a network.
The factors that determine the type of topology are cost, flexibility and reliability. There are
five different types of topologies. Let us learn about these in detail.
Bus Topology
In this topology, all the nodes are connected to
a single common path. It is simple and easy to
maintain. Additional nodes can be connected at
any point along its length. The major disadvantage
of this topology is that fault detection is difficult,
and a failure in the main cable can bring down
Bus Topology
the entire network.
Ring Topology
In this topology, all the nodes are connected in a circular path. The
messages are travelled in clockwise or anti clockwise direction. Any
damage to the cable of any node or device may result in breakdown of
the whole network.
Ring Topology
Star Topology
In this topology, central node acts as a hub to which all the other
nodes are connected. As compared to the bus topology, star
topology requires more devices and cables. The addition of a new
node to a star topology is easier compared to other topologies
such as bus as it involves a connection only to the central node.
Star Topology
Tree Topology
In this topology, nodes are connected as branches
of a tree where hub acts as a root node. It is scalable
as it is easier to add or remove the faulty nodes.
However, its major disadvantage is that if the
root node fails to operate, the entire network is
Tree Topology inoperable.
Mesh Topology
In this topology, every single node in a network is connected to all
the other nodes or computers in the network. There are minimal
chances of network failure in this topology due to redundant
connections.
Mesh Topology
Computer Networking 21

