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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 their lengths. 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 a 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 is minimal chance of
                 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 fiber technology is
                 also used for networking.



                                                                                              Networking Concepts  15
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