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In some network structures, a single computer is designated as the control computer or the server.
            The server directs 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 in this topology is very difficult.


                                   STAR TOPOLOGY
                                   In this topology, the 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
                                   difficult 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 very simple in nature as it is easier
                                            to add new or remove the faulty nodes. But its major disadvantage
                                            is that if the root  node fails to  operate,  the entire network is
                                            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
            a breakdown in this topology. This topology is mostly used in LANs.




                     NETWORKING TRANSMISSION MEDIA

            Various components are interconnected with each other through some medium in a computer
            network. The medium that enables you to transfer data from one computer to another is
            known as a transmission medium. The cables that connect two or more workstations are the
            communication channels. Computers in a small network can be connected by cables (mostly
            copper conductors in twisted pairs or coaxial cables). Nowadays, optical fibre technology is

            also used for networking.


                                                                                         Networking Concepts  15
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