What is topology?
The shape or layout of the network is called topology, the method of connecting different computers with a special technology and exchanging data between them is called topology. It defines the structure of the network and how different devices in the network are interconnected.
Network topology is the way to connect different nodes or terminals of a network. It describes the physical structure of the network. Through network topology, two or more computers or other devices are connected together in various ways.
types of topology :
There are mainly 6 types of network topologies –
- Bus
- Ring
- Star
- Mesh
- Tree
- Hybrid
1. Bus Topology :
In this topology, all the devices are connected to a single transmission line in a straight line. In this, data transmitted by one central device can be received by all devices, mainly bus topology is used for LAN local area network. Based on its structure, it is also called linear topology and broadcast network.
Advantages of bus topology :
This topology requires less cables.
This topology costs less to install.
If a single computer fails, the entire network is not affected.
Disadvantages of bus topology :
If there is a fault in the main transmission line, the entire network is affected.
In this, each device requires special hardware.
2. Ring Topology :
In this topology there is no main controlling computer, in this all the devices are connected to each other in a ring or loop and each device receives data from its nearest device. In this, transmission of information takes place in only one direction. In a ring topology, each device is accompanied by a repeater.
Advantages of ring topology :
It does not require any central computer.
This topology is easy to set up.
Disadvantages of ring topology
In this every computer is dependent on each other.
If there is an error in one computer, the entire network is affected.
3. Star Topology :
In this topology, one device is given the status of host device or central device and other devices are connected to the central device. The central device is a computer or server that manages the entire network. In star topology, different computers communicate with each other through a central device rather than directly.
Advantages of star topology :
Due to a fault in one computer, only a part of the network is affected.
The network is not affected when a new device is added.
Disadvantages of star topology :
If the central device fails, the entire network is affected.
it costs more to install
4.Mesh Topology :
In this topology, every device supports data communication and there is no host or central device. In this, if any one device gets damaged, it does not affect the entire network. In mesh topology all the devices are connected to each other.
Advantages of mesh topology :
Failure of one device does not affect other devices.
A huge amount of data transfer can be done by this topology.
Disadvantages of mesh topology :
Mesh topology is a very expensive topology.
Mesh topology is difficult to maintain.
5.Tree Topology :
It is a combination of bus topology and star topology, it has a central computer and all the computers are connected by a cable. Its structure is similar to a tree, hence it is called tree topology.
Advantages of tree topology :
This topology is easy to set up.
Detecting errors is easier in tree topology.
Disadvantages of tree topology :
It uses more cables.
Tree topology is much more expensive than other topologies.
6.Hybrid Topology :
It is a network topology which is made up of many other topologies, that is, all types of topologies are used in it. It mainly uses two or more topologies. This topology is usually installed in large companies.
Advantages of hybrid topology :
Hybrid topology is good for setting up a network in a large company.
Errors can be easily detected in this topology.
Disadvantages of hybrid topology :
This topology is quite difficult to install.
Hybrid topology is quite expensive
use of topology :
Network topology is mainly used to connect one computer to another and exchange data. Network topology is used to establish a network in any location. In an office, institute or any other area, communication becomes possible when all the computers are connected to each other through cable or wireless through network topology.
