What is a Network Topology?

NETWORK TOPOLOGY

 - It refers to the layout or structure of the network in relation with the flow of data.

- It is the way in which the elements such as computers, printers, servers, and other computing appliances are arranged in a network.

TYPES OF NETWORK TOPOLOGY

1. Linear Bus Topology 

Definition: It uses one long cable (backbone) which computers and other devices are attached. 

               A terminator is placed at each end of the backbone to keep the signals from bouncing back and being received again by the nodes in the network.

Advantage: It requires less cable length than the star topology, which is the most commonly applied topology.

Disadvantage: The entire network shuts down if there is a break in the backbone.

2. Star Topology 

Definition: It uses a central device called a hub (a more efficient device called "switch" is also used), with cables extending in all device.

Advantage: The lack of disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices.

Disadvantage: If the hub fails, the attached nodes will not be able to use the network resources.

3. Ring Topology 

Definition: It is a type of network topology wherein nodes are connected to each other forming one contagious pathway in a ring formation. 

Advantage: Each repeater duplicates the data signals so that there is very little signal degradation.

Disadvantage: A break in the ring can disable the entire network just like the linear bus.



                         

4. Mesh Topology 

Definition: It means that all the nodes on the network can route data traffic on their own, which makes them more reliable and resilient than ordinary network topology .

Advantage: A failure of one device does not cause a break in the network or transmission of data. 

Disadvantage: The cost to implement is higher than other network topologies, making it a less desirable option. Building and maintaining the topology is difficult and time consuming.

5. Hybrid Topology 

Definition: It is simply a network that uses a mix of any two or more different topology in such a way that the final network does not exhibit one of the characteristics of the strand topology.

Advantage: Mostly found in high-performance or super computing  systems due to the speed and number of processors that can handle computing tasks. 

Disadvantage: Ordinary network  and bus topology would act as bottlenecks, reducing overall efficiency.