A network can be configured or arranged in different ways.

The physical layout or

arrangement of connected devices in a network is called topology. It is the shape of
network.

Types of Topologies
Different network topologies are as follows:
Bus Topology
Star Topology
Ring Topology
Tree Topology
Mesh Topology

Bus Topology
Bus topology is the simplest type of network. It supports a small number of computers.
In bus topology, all computer or network nodes are connected to a common
communication medium. This medium is often a central wire known as bus. The
terminators are used at the end of a bus to absorb signals.

Working of Bus Topology

The sending computer sends the data and destination address through the bus. The data
and address move from one computer to the other in the network. Each computer
checks the address. If it matches with the address of a computer, the computer keeps the
data. Otherwise the data moves to the next computer.

Advantages
It is simple and easy to use.
It requires small length of cable to connect computers.
It is less expensive.
It is easy to extend a bus. It allows more computers to join the network.
If one node fails, it does not affect the rest of the network.

Disadvantages
It is difficult to troubleshoot.
It only supports small number of computers.
If number of computers increases, network speed will slow down.
Star Topology
All computers in star topology are connected with the central device called Hub. A hub
is also called multistation access unit. It provides a central point for cables in a network.
Star topology is mostly used in client-server networks.

Working of Star Topology

The sending computer sends the data to the receiving computer. Each computer in star
network communicates with a central hub. If station 1 wants to send information to the

station 3, it must send information to the hub; then the hub must pass this information
to the station 3.

Advantages
It is easy to maintain and modify the network.
Adding and removing computers can be done without disturbing the network.
Finding the faults become very simple.
Single computer failure does not bring down the whole network.

Disadvantages
The entire network breaks down if the central hub fails.
It requires a large length of cable to connect computers.
It is more expensive.

Ring Topology
In this topology, each computer is connected to the next computer with the last one
connected to the first. Thus, a ring of computer is formed.

Working of Ring Topology

Every computer is connected to the next computer in a ring. Each computer receives the
message from the previous computer and transmits it to the next computer. The
message flows in one direction. The message is passed around the ring until it reaches
the correct destination computer.

Advantages
It is less expensive than star topology.
Every computer has equal access to the network.

Disadvantages
The failure of one computer in the ring can affect the whole network.
It is difficult to troubleshoot.
Adding or removing computers affects the whole network.

Tree Topology
A Tree topology combines the characteristics of bus and star topologies. It consists of
different groups of computers attached in star topology. The groups are then connected

to a bus backbone cable. Tree topology is used for the expansion of an existing network.

Advantages
Error detection and correction is easy.
Each segment is provided with dedicated point-to-point wiring to the central hub.
If one segment is damaged, other segments are not affected.
Expansion of Network is possible and easy.
It is supported by several hardware and software vendors.

Disadvantages
Because of its basic structure, tree topology, relies heavily on the main bus cable,
if it breaks whole network is crippled.
As more and more nodes and segments are added, the maintenance becomes
difficult.
If the backbone line breaks. The entire segment goes down.
It is more difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.

Mesh Topology
In a mesh topology, every device in the
network is physically connected to every
other device in the network. A message
can be sent on different possible paths
from source to destination. Mesh topology
provides

improved

performance

and

reliability. Mesh networks are not used in

local area networks. It is mostly used in
wide area networks.

Advantages
The use of dedicated link guarantees that each connection can carry its own data
load. It eliminates traffic problem.

If one link becomes unusable, it does not harm the entire system.
It is easy to troubleshoot.
Disadvantages
A full mesh network can be very expensive.
It is difficult to install and reconfigure.

References
The concepts of information technology by Imran Saeed and Ahsan Raza
Network Communications Technology By Ata Elahi
https://books.google.com/books BRIJENDRA SINGH - 2011