Types Of Computer Network Topologies
Discover Types Of Computer Network Topologies. A typology of a computer is in essence the way in which the physical devices of the computer are arranged around the network that it uses. It is also a way in which the components are all connected. There are many different types of computer network topologies that are dependent on the size, complexity and price that the business needs, and/or can afford for their individual needs. Other factors that guide the types of computer network topologies used are the level of security needed and the need for easy or complex management of it.
There are only four different types of computer network topologies that a business can choose from they can all be combined in different ways, mixed together to create the best one for the business that they service. The four different types are ring, star, bus or tree topology. A bus topology is like a central bus station cable that is the ‘hub’ of all the network devices of the computer. Although the information is sent through all the various devices of the computer, there is only one main area where the information is processed. It is an easy process, but since one is responsible, should it fail, you will get a breakdown of the system entirely.
The ring topology is much like the bus, but instead of there being one central place where information is processed, it is done so in a ring, or circle. Like the bus, the information passes through all the connections but only the specific device that needs the information processes it. Also like the bus topology if there is a breakdown in the chain the entire system is rendered inoperable. Both of these types of computer network topologies are rarely used because of their limitations.
The star topology Is like the bus in that it has one center that is the ‘hub’, but different because from that hub, each of the different devices has their own connection. All the information needed passes through the central station, which can be the computer itself, the concentrator, or even a router, but each device has their own connection which means that if there is a failure with one of them, it only affects the specific device that is experiencing trouble. It allows the other devices to function normally without the one that is not in service. It is the chosen one for most LANs, or local area networks in existence today.
The tree topology is a hybrid of the star and bus type. It is a type that is a set of multiple star networks that are then related through a bus link. Each connection having their own hub, they are all connected through an individual bus connection. Therefore, if one of the bus connections fails all the links tied to it cease to work, but the other connections are left intact. It is a way of extending a computer system network so that they all work together, but are not dependent upon one another to function.
