Network Topologies

Network Topologies

Network Topologies

    Topology, the geometric arrangement of a computer system, is one of several characteristics to the design of an internal computer network (intranet) or Local Area Network (LAN). The most common topologies are Bus, Star and Ring. They were given descriptive names referring to their connection sequence.

BUS
          In a bus topology designed system all the devices are connected to a central cable, called the bus or backbone. It is the least complicated network configuration because it makes use of a single centralized cable. Bus networks are relatively inexpensive and easy to install for small networks.

    The bus topology advantage is in its basic design, which is the easiest to install, and requires the least amount of materials.   The disadvantages are in its limitations, only a so many computers can be connected to this system because each additional computer weakens the signal strength.   The signal strength can be extended with the addition of a repeater, which is an additional expense. The flaw in this type of design is in the event of a break in the cable transmission the computers on either side create a loop back on the signal, which corrupts the data.

STAR
    In a star topology designed system all the devices are connected to a central hub.   This is a basic design strategy where a centralized unit, a server, indirectly connects each workstation to the other. All transmissions within this systems flow through the central server. Ethernet systems use this style topology.

    The advantage to this design is the ease in installation and maintenance. If a workstation experiences any problem, it does not affect the other computers within the system.   Disadvantages of this design are that it is the most expensive style, as it requires the more cable that the others, the central server can experience data blockages during peak transmission times and any system errors within the server shut the entire system down....