Can Anyone Explain The Different Types Of Network Topologies?

           Topology can be defined as the configuration of a communication network. The topology of network is the geometric representation of the relationship of all the links and linking devices, called the nodes, to each other. There are four basic topologies possible. The mesh, the star, the bus and the ring.

           In a mesh topology each and every device has a dedicated point to point link to every other device. A mesh offers various advantages over other network topologies. First, use of dedicated links guarantees that the each connection can carry its own data load, thus eliminating traffic troubles that can take place when links must be shared by multiple devices. Second is that a mesh topology is robust in nature.

           In a star topology each, each device has a dedicated point to point link only to a central controller called "the hub". The devices or nodes are not directly connected to each other. Unlike a mesh topology, a star topology never allows direct traffic between devices.
A bus topology is not point to point but multipoint. One long cable acts as backbone to link all the devices in network. Nodes are connected to the bus cable by the help of drop lines and taps.

           In a ring topology, each device has a dedicated point to point connection only with the two devices on either side of it. A signal is passed along the ring only in one direction, from device to device, until it reaches its destination. Each device in the ring contains a repeater

Arrangement and configuration of cables, computers and other peripheral devices is called network topology. Topology may be a physical or logical depending on the network. There are different types of topologies used in networking.  These are bus topology, star topology, ring topology, tree topology, and hybrid or mix topology.

Bus topology consists of backbone cable and nodes. Each node is connected with central cable. Bus topology is very easy, simple and inexpensive than other topologies. Star topology consists of central device called hub or connector. All computers in star topology are directly connected to central devices. All functions are control and manage by central device.

Star topology is very easy to install but it is expensive due to the cost of central device. Tree topology is combination of star and bus topologies. Group of star configured computers are connected to a central cable or backbone cable like bus topology. This network is very easy to extend and facilities the organizations to meet their requirements. Tree topology is mostly supported by number of hardware and software manufacturers. In tree topology if central cable breaks then all the nodes goes down. Hybrid or Mix topology is combination of different topologies such as star bus topology, star of star, star wired ring, hybrid mesh.