Types Of Network Topology

There are several types of network topology which describes the logical and physical arrangements of nodes that form a network. Topology deals with a network’s communication and describes the logical and physical interconnection between several network nodes. The different types of network topology can be grouped into signal, logical, and physical topologies. Signal topology deals with the pathways through which signals are passed from one network to the other. Physical topology deals with the arrangement of network nodes and the interconnections between them. On the other hand, logical topology describes the mapping of the pathways through which data moves through the network. The following are the different types of network topology.

Bus topology

These types of network topology are connected to all network modes with only two endpoints. All data transmitted through the network are transmitted using a common transmission line known as backbone network or network bus. It is referred to as a linear bus topology when the transmission is carried out through two endpoints. But in situations where the transmission has more than two endpoints, it is known as distributed bus topology. These types of network topology can be handled easily and is suitable for small networks. However, one drawback of the bus network topology is its limited number of stations and short connecting cables which makes it difficult to accommodate more network nodes.

Ring Topology

All networks in a system have at least two connections. The first and last nodes are always linked to each other. The data passes through the network through a ring until they arrive at their destination. In these types of network topology, the signals and the data move over the network and travel in the same direction.

The ring network topology has two different types: the single ring topology and the dual ring topology. In the single ring topology the network and all nodes travel through a single network, while data transmission flows through two connections. There are no central servers required for the ring topology for connections between facilities and nodes. Whenever there are moves and changes in the network it affects the network operation.

Mesh Topology

A mesh topology is the arrangement of nodes in a parallel network. Each network is arranged such that they are connected to each other. In these types of network topology, it is very possible for signals to be transmitted to several other nodes simultaneously without any obstruction in the network. In other mesh network nodes that are partially connected not all nodes are connected to each other but very few of them. This form of mesh connection has some advantages over the full mesh connection. One of such advantage is the prevention of redundancy as a result of the connection of all nodes.

Star Topology

The star network topology is a type of network where a single node (called a hub) is used to connect several nodes in the network. All nodes pass through a central hub as it provides isolation and simplicity for each network node. These types of network topology also have their own drawback as the whole transmission depends solely on the efficient performance of the central node. Any problem with the star or central node will most definitely affect all nodes in the entire network.