Network topologies describe the ways in which the elements of a network are mapped. They describe the physical and logical arrangement of the network nodes. Let us look at the advantages the different network topologies offer and get to know their shortfalls.

Bus Topology

Advantages of Bus Topology
It is easy to handle and implement.
It is best suited for small networks.

Disadvantages of Bus Topology
The cable length is limited. This limits the number of stations that can be connected.
This network topology can perform well only for a limited number of nodes.

Ring Topology

Advantage of Ring Topology
The data being transmitted between two nodes passes through all the intermediate nodes. A central server is not required for the management of this topology.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology
The failure of a single node of the network can cause the entire network to fail.
The movement or changes made to network nodes affects the performance of the entire network.

Mesh Topology

Advantage of Mesh Topology
The arrangement of the network nodes is such that it is possible to transmit data from one node to many other nodes at the same time.

Disadvantage of Mesh Topology
The arrangement wherein every network node is connected to every other node of the network, many of the connections serve no major purpose. This leads to the redundancy of many of the network connections.

Star Topology

Advantages of Star Topology
Due to its centralized nature, the topology offers simplicity of operation.
It also achieves an isolation of each device in the network.

Disadvantage of Star Topology
The network operation depends on the functioning of the central hub. Hence, the failure of the central hub leads to the failure of the entire network.