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    Tick ( ) if you know this.
                          ▶  A network is defined as a group of devices that are linked together to share information, data
                            and resources.
                          ▶  The Internet is a collection of vast number of computers spread across the world.

                               TOPOLOGIES

                     Topology or network structure is the layout of the connection formed between computers. The
                     efficiency and reliability of a network is determined by its structure. In other words, Topology
                     refers to the geometric arrangement of computers or nodes in a network.

                     In some network structures, a single computer is designated as the control computer or the server.
                     The server manages traffic and maintains order in the network. Other network structures require
                     no server. Let us now look at the main network structures or topologies.

                     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 the entire network.

                                           STAR TOPOLOGY

                                           In this topology, the central node acts as a hub to which all the other nodes
                                           are connected. Compared to the bus topology, star topology requires more
                                           devices and cables. The addition of a new node to a star topology is easy as
                                           it involves a connection all the way to the central node.

                     RING TOPOLOGY

                     In this topology, all the nodes are connected in a circular path. The messages
                     travel in the clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. Any damage to the cable
                     of any node or device can result in the breakdown of the whole network.

                                                    TREE TOPOLOGY

                                                    In this topology, nodes are connected as branches of a tree where
                                                    the hub acts as a root node. It is scalable as it is easier to add new or
                                                    remove the faulty nodes. However, its major disadvantage is that
                                                    if the root node fails to operate, the entire network is inoperable.

                                                                                                  Networking Concepts  15

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