When an user has to use multiple computers for his business purpose or personal use, the devices need to be connected to each other for easy communication. The question naturally arises that in what pattern the computers should be connected. The discipline of network topology deals with this problem. It basically defines the configuration of computer system elements and their related interlinking.
Basic Categories Of Network Topology
There are 2 basic categories of Network Topology,viz. physical and logical. Physical Network Topology deals with the system hardware related to servers, remote terminals, work stations,etc. Logical Network Topology defines the the data flow pattern between the networking devices. Any specific network topology is ascertained by graphical mapping of the design of the physical and logical connections between the networking nodes. Though the designs of different networks may be similar but that does not mean the physical characteristics,i.e transmission rates, physical connections, distance between nodes, etc. should be same.
Different Types Of Physical Network Topology
Based on connectivity,Physical Network Topology has 8 basic different types,namely Star,Ring,Bus,Point To Point,Tree,Mesh,Hybrid and Daisy Chain.
Star Network Topology
In Star Network Topology,there is a central top level node,to which all other networking devices are connected. The central node could be a computer or a simple switch or just a common connection point. Messages received by the central node could either be broadcast to all other nodes or some specific nodes. The advantages of Start network are that cable failures are localized and message delays are minimized. If a particular node becomes malfunctioning, it will not affect the other nodes. PC support for star network is widely available.
Ring Network Topology
In this type of network topology, each node on the network is connected to two other nodes in an alignment with first and last nodes being connected. Data from one node to another travels via the intermediate nodes,which function as active repeaters for data intended for other nodes. Some types of Ring Networks are unidirectional in which data flows in one direction, while the others are bidirectional, in which data flows in both directions. Network support for ring network is rendered by many service providers.
Bus Network Topology
All devices on the network are connected through one wire in Bus network topology. During the communication process, the transmitting node broadcasts massage for one or more nodes on the bus. Since the all nodes are connected to the only one bus, the message reaches all nodes but only the target nodes receive the message, while the others discard it. Problems in the bus network could be resolved with the help of PC support providers.
Point To Point Network Topology
This is the simplest and most basic topology in which two nodes are connected through a permanent link. The advantage of this topology is unimpeded communication. Conventional telephony is an example of this type. Technical problems in telephony should be resolved through the service of a network support provider.
Tree Network Topology
This network topology has one central top level node,which is connected to one or more nodes that belong to the next lower level. There are separate links between the central node and the second level nodes. Each node at the second level is linked to one or more nodes that belong to next lower level. And this is how the network expands. It is in fact a combination of bus and star topologies. Due to this reason, problems in this type of network is quite complex,which could be resolved with the service of PC support provider.
Mesh Network Topology
This network topology has nodes which have multiple path to another destination node. It capitalizes on path redundancy. This topology is preferred when that volume of traffic between the nodes is large.
Hybrid Network Topology
Hybrid networks employ a combination of two or more topologies in such a way that the resultant network does not resemble any of the basic topologies.
Daisy Chain Network Topology
This is one of the easy ways to add new nodes to the network by connecting each node in series to the next.
Computer Support For Network Topology
Each basic topology has it its own advantages and disadvantages. When an user wants to create a network,it is advisable to take the help of network support provider, who could select the best option depending on the situation.
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