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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

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