What is Network Topology and its Types

The location of the computer included in the network or the network organization is called network topology. Computers on the network can be connected in different ways. The management of computers to connect two or more computers to a network by hubs, switches, or cables is called network topology. That is, the position from which networks are connected to each other in computers is called network topology. These types of network topologies are commonly 6 types:

Network Topology

 1. Bus Topology
 2. Ring Topology
 3. Star Topology
 4. Tree Topology
 5. Mesh Topology
 6. Hybrid Topology

1. Bus Topology

When computers in a network are lined up on both sides with a common line (cable), it is called bus topology. There is no central computer in this topology. Each workstation is connected to the other via main wires. Bus topology is also called linear topology. The following picture shows the bus topology:

Advantages Bus Topology:

 1. This is easily possible if you want to add a new workstation to the network.
2. Easy to configure.
3. If you want to remove any workstation from the network, do it easily
4. Even if a computer (workstation) is broken, the network remains active.

Disadvantages of Bus Topology:

1. If the cable that connects to the computers is damaged, the whole network becomes inoperable.
2. Only one workstation can exchange data at the same time.
3. Performance is not a very good one.
4. If there is a problem with the network, it is not easy to find out.

2. Ring Topology

The network in which computers are arranged in a circle is called ring topology. In this case, if data is sent from one computer to another, it has to rotate Stays until the target reaches the computer. There is no central computer in this topology and every computer is of equal importance.

Advantages of Ring Topology

 1. There is no host computer or server or central computer.
2. Easy to make.
3. Every computer gets equal importance.
4. You do not have to rely on a central computer to exchange data.
5. Easy to maintain.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology:

 1. When a computer crashes, the network becomes inoperable.
2. Computers cannot send signals directly to each other because they are not connected to each other.
3. As the number of computers increases, the transmission time increases.
4. It takes more cable (cable) than bus topology.
5. Difficult to install and configure.

3. Star Topology

The organization in which computers are connected to each other through a central device is called Star Topology. This central device can be a hub or a switch. The transmitting computer first sends the data signal to the hub/switch.

The hub/switch delivers it to the target computer. The number of connections/pets in the hub/switch can be included in the computer network. This type of organization is more used in the case of LAN. The following is an image of this organization:

Advantages of Star Topology

 1. It is easily possible to add a new node.
2. The transmission time remains the same even if new nodes are added.
3. If a node is damaged, the entire network does not become unusable.
4. The network can be maintained centrally.

Disadvantages of Star Topology

1. When the central computer breaks down, the entire network becomes inoperable.
2. The cost is relatively high.
3. Cable takes up relatively more.

4. Tree Topology

This type of organization has workstations or computers connected to different branches or levels. The first level computer is called the second-level computer and the second level computer is called the third level computer. Mainframe computers are used as hosts or main computers and workstations can be personal computers. It is easy to expand the network in such organizations. In this organization, if a single level of Host computer breaks down, the computers connected to it become useless. The image of this Network is given below:

Advantages of Tree Topology:

 1. New nodes can be attached very easily.
2. If there is a need to isolate a node, it can be done easily.
3. Normal operation of the network does not stop when a node is connected or disconnected.
4. In such an organization it is convenient to expand the network.

Disadvantages of Tree Topology:

 1. The cost is relatively high.
2. When the original computer crashed, the entire network became inoperable.
3. Such organizations are complex in nature.

5. Mesh Topology

The organization in which everyone is connected to each other in the computer is called Mesh Topology.
This type of organization is also called a completely interconnected topology. Below is a picture of the organization:

Advantages of Mesh Topology:

 1. Transmission takes less time. Because any computer can send data directly to any other computer at any time Can exchange.
2. Data exchange in such organizations is quite efficient and independent.
3. Network problems can be easily solved.
4. Strong infrastructure.

Disadvantages of Mesh Topology:

 1. The cable takes a lot longer.
2. The configuration is complex.
3. The cost is much higher.

6. Hybrid Topology:

The type of organization that is made up of any combination of two or more other organizations is called hybrid topology. Example-Internet.
It has almost all types of topology attached. The Network is shown below-

Advantages of Hybrid Topology:

 1. This organization has all the features of Topology.
2. Network expansion is easy.
3. The network can be expanded as needed.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology:

 1. The cost is much higher.
2. If one part is lost, the whole network is not inactive, only one part is out of order.
3. Maintenance is complicated.