Topologies in Computer Network with Examples

Topologies in Computer Network

The arrangement of links, nodes, and other components in a communication network is referred to as network topology. The configuration of several kinds of communication networks, including computer networks, industrial field buses, and radio networks for command and control, is referred to as network topology. 

Network topologies can specify the logical and physical components of the system. Within the same network, the logical and physical topologies may differ or be the same. Physical topology highlights the actual configuration of the connected devices and nodes, whereas logical topology stresses the pattern of data transit between network nodes.

Types of Topology in Computer Networks

There are six main types of physical topology in computer networks. They are as follows: 

• Ring

• Star

• Bus 

• Hybrid 

• Mesh 

• Tree

1. Ring Topology

Ring topology is the topology used when two computers are connected in a circle. There is only one direction and circular message passing. In this deterministic network structure, each machine is given a set amount of time to contact the network for transmission. Every node participates in a closed loop.

Advantages of Ring Topology

• Data collision risk is decreased using ring topology. 

• A simple issue to resolve. 

• Every node experiences the same Ring Topology access time.

• Rapid data transfer is possible across workstations. 

• By flowing all data in one direction, the possibility of a packet collision is decreased.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology

• Slow data transfer rate as each message has to transit through the ring path. 

• If one node fails, the entire network will come down. 

• Reconfiguring is becoming increasingly complicated in ring topology.

• It requires complex hardware to implement.

2. Star Topology

Every node in a computer network is connected to a central hub via a structure called a star topology. The hub or switch functions as a bridge between the nodes. Any node that wants to provide a service or request one must first contact the hub. In a star topology, the hub and switch act as servers and the other connected devices as clients.

Advantages of Star Topology

• In the topology of stars, If one node fails, it won't affect the other nodes.

• Installation and configuration of star topology are not too difficult. In addition to serving as a central hub or switch, it facilitates device connections and disconnections. 

• The star topology offers great scalability. Connecting other devices to the central hub makes it simple to add more if the network has to be expanded.

• The central hub or switch can manage the flow of data between devices, ensuring that each device obtains the data it needs in a timely way.

Disadvantages of Star Topology

• If there are major device malfunctions, the network will come to an end. 

• The network has a finite quantity of devices.

• The cost of star topology may be higher than that of other topologies. The price of the central hub or switch, as well as the cost of further devices, may be put up. 

• Star topology has a distance limit. The length of the cables used to link the devices limits the distance that may be traveled between them and the hub or switch in the center.

3. Bus Topology

Bus topology transfers sent data along the cable because data reaches each node, the node examines the destination address (MAC/IP address) to determine if it matches their address. The node does nothing further if the address does not match. 

Advantages of Bus Topology

• It functions incredibly well on very small networks. 

• A shorter cable is needed than in a star topology. 

• Devices in this network are simple to add or delete without interfering with other devices.

• The simplest network topology for linking computers or peripherals in a linear fashion is this one.

Disadvantages of Bus Topology

• If the entire network fails, it becomes more difficult to identify issues. 

• It is quite difficult to troubleshoot individual device difficulties. 

• The primary cable must have terminators at both ends. 

• The network is slowed down by more devices.

4. Hybrid

A hybrid topology is defined as a network topology that incorporates two or more separate network topologies. Combining elements of mesh, ring, and bus topologies to create a hybrid topology. The number, location, and performance requirements of the computers all influence the choice of various combinations of network topologies.

Advantages of Hybrid Topology

• Scalability of resources is achieved by making it easy to add and remove nodes from the network. 

• Troubleshooting happens more quickly, allowing smaller networks to isolate and replace problems as soon as possible. 

• It is possible to securely move data between networks. 

• Large volumes of traffic that arise during data transfer can be handled by this design. No traffic issue would be faced by the user on adding or removing the resources.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology

• Multiple-node fault detection is detected, however each time, multi-station access is needed to retrieve the damaged devices. 

• Damage to cable lines may be unnoticed until there is a significant failure affecting several nodes. 

• Any topology's overall performance is impacted if the backbone is compromised. 

• To make changes to any element of the network, specialists and network experts are needed.

5. Mesh Topology

In a mesh network, every computer is linked to every other computer. In addition to transmitting signals of its own, every computer also relays data from other computers. There are N(N-1)/2 links in a mesh if there are N nodes. Each node is fully connected to the others through a dedicated link, which allows information to move between nodes.

Advantages of Mesh Topology

• It offers excellent security and privacy. 

• Data transmission is more consistent because failure doesn’t affect its processes. 

• Data transmissions won't be affected by the addition of new devices. 

• Strong qualities in this topology allow it to win in any circumstance.

Disadvantages of Mesh Topology

• Because every node must share the load and be constantly active, there is a larger power need. complicated procedure. 

• The cost to implement mesh is above other selections. 

• Invalid connections are a major concern. 

• There is an additional utility cost for each node to consider.

6. Tree Topology

Tree topology, commonly referred to as star bus topology, is one sort of network topology. A hybrid network structure known as a tree topology, or star-bus topology, connects star networks through bus networks. Because tree networks are hierarchically structured, every node can have offspring nodes. 

The characteristics of the bus and star topologies are combined. It consists of a node called the root that links to one or more branching star networks. Every branch has the ability to grow into smaller branches, creating a structure that resembles a tree.

Advantages of Hybrid Topology

• This topology offers a central data layout for the nodes that are both hierarchical. 

• This design has significant scalability since the leaf nodes can add one or more nodes to the hierarchical chain. point-to-point connections between separate parts. 

• Extremely secure is Tree Topology. 

• In WAN, it is employed. 

• Tree Topology is a trustworthy system.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology

• Setting up this network is far more challenging than setting up other topologies. 

• A segment's maximum length is determined by the kind of cabling that is utilized. 

• Dense network traffic results from the need for the data to pass over the core connection. 

• The Backbone seems to be the point of failure for the entire network section. 

• The topology is treated in a somewhat complicated way.