What is Network Topology ?
Network topology refers to the manner in which the clients are arranged into a network including it's physical and logical layout.
Types of Network Topology Configurations
1. Bus Topology
Bus Topology uses a standard backbone cable to connect all the clients. A client sends a broadcast message onto the network that every other client can see, but only intended recipient client will accepts and processes the message. Since the bus topology comprise of only one cable, It's cost effective to implement as compared to other topologies.
2. Ring Topology
This network topology is set up in a circular manner within which data travels in one direction and each client on the ring acts as a repeater to keep the signal strong. When a client sends data it must travel through all clients on the ring until it reaches its destination.
3. Star Topology
In star topology each node or client is connected to a central hub with a point to point connection. All traffic that travels into the network passes through the central hub. Star topology is considered as the simplest topology to design and implement. An advantage of the star network topology is the simplicity of adding additional client.
4. Mesh Topology
In the mesh network topology each client is directly connected to one other. This topology commonly uses wireless networking. A totally connected network doesn't need to switching or broadcasting. This type of topology is higher expensive and really difficult to implement the connections.
5. Hybrid Topology
Hybrid networks topology uses a combination of any two or more topologies. A hybrid topology is usually produced when two different basic network topologies are connected. In this type of topology fault detection and troubleshooting is simple too. The part where the fault is detected will be eliminated from rest of the network and required corrective measures can be taken without effecting the functioning of rest of the network.
6. Tree Topology
This particular variety of network topology is based on a hierarchy of clients. The highest level of any tree network consists of a single Hub Client, this client is connected to multiple clients in the level below by a point to point link. These lower level clients are also connected to a single or multiple clients in the next level down.
