Physical Network

Topology
By: Jeremy 10-2
1. MESH TOPOLOGY

In a wireless mesh topology, the network connection is

spread out among dozens or even hundreds of wireless
mesh nodes that "talk" to each other to share the
network connection across a large area. If one node can
no longer operate, the others can still communicate with
each other, directly or through one or more intermediate
nodes.

Advantages of Mesh topology

1) Data can be transmitted from different devices
simultaneously, can withstand high traffic.
2) Even if one of the components fails there is always an
alternative present. So data transfer doesn’t get affected.
3) Expansion and modification in topology can be done without
disrupting other nodes.

Disadvantages of Mesh topology

1) There are high chances of redundancy in many of the network

connections.
2) Overall cost of this network is expensive as compared to other
network topologies.
3) Set-up and maintenance of this topology is very difficult.
2. Bus Topology

Bus topology uses one main cable to which all nodes are
directly connected. The main cable acts as a backbone for
the network. One of the computers in the network
typically acts as the computer server.

Advantages of Bus Topology

1) It is easy to set-up and extend bus network.
2) Cable length required for this topology is the least
compared to other networks.
3) Bus topology costs very less.

Disadvantages of Bus Topology

1) Efficiency of Bus network reduces, as the number of

devices connected to it increases.
2) It is not suitable for networks with heavy traffic.
3) Security is very low because all the computers
receive the sent signal from the source.
3. Ring Topology

In ring topology, the computers in the network are

connected in a circular fashion, and the data travels in
one direction. Each computer is directly connected to the
next computer, forming a single pathway for signals
through the network. This type of network is easy to
install and manage.

Advantages of Ring Topology

1) Even when the load on the network increases, its
performance is better than that of Bus topology.
2) There is no need for network server to control the
connectivity between workstations.
3) Additional components do not affect the performance
of network.
Disadvantages of Ring Topology
1) Each packet of data must pass through all the
computers between source and destination
2) If one workstation or port goes down, the entire
network gets affected.

3) Network is highly dependent on the wire which

connects different components.
4. Star Topology

In star topology, each computer is connected to a

central hub using a point-to-point connection. The
central hub can be a computer server that manages the
network, or it can be a much simpler device that only
makes the connections between computers over the
network possible.

Advantages of Star Topology

1) Easy to connect new nodes or devices.
2) Centralized management. It helps in monitoring the
network.
3) Failure of one node or link doesn’t affect the rest of
network.

Disadvantages of Star Topology

1) If it Central Device fails, whole network goes down.

2) More components needed, therefore expensive.
3) Performance and as well number of nodes which
can be added is depended on capacity of central device.
5. Tree Topology

Tree topology combines multiple star topologies onto a

bus. Hub devices for each topology are connected to
the bus. Each hub is like a root of a tree of devices.
This provides great flexibility for expanding and
modifying the network.

Advantages of Tree Topology

1. Expansion of Network is possible and easy.
2. Error detection and correction is easy.
3. If one segment is damaged, other segments are not
affected.

Disadvantages of Tree Topology

1. Tree topology, relies heavily on the main bus cable,

if it breaks whole network is crippled.
2. As more and more nodes and segments are added,
the maintenance becomes difficult.
3. Scalability of the network depends on the type of
cable used.