NETWORK TOPOLOGY

NETWORK TOPOLOGY

A network topology is the configuration or physical arrangement of the devices in a communications network.  The commonly used network topologies are;

●     Bus

●     Ring

●     Star

(a)    BUS TOPOLOGY.  This is a network that consists of a single central cable that connects all computers and devices together.   The physical cable that connects the computers and other devices is known as the bus or the backbone.  Data, instructions and information in a bus can be transmitted in both directions.

     Fig:  Illustration of a bus topology

Advantages of a bus network

-       Inexpensive and easy to install.

-       Computers and devices can be attached and detached any point on the bus without disturbing the rest of the network.

-       Failure one device usually does not affect the rest of the bus network.

-       Requires less cable length.

Disadvantages

-       If the bus fails to work itself, the complete network remains inoperative.

-       If many computers are attached, the amount of data flowing along the cable increases, data collision occur and the network slows down

(b)   RING TOPOLOGY.  This consists of a cable forming a closed ring or loop, with all the computers and devices in a network.