Network topology (LAN topology) - Bus, Ring and Star

1.      Network topology (LAN topology)
The arrangement or connection pattern of computers or nodes and other devices of the network is called network topology. The three basic topologies are bus topology, ring topology and star topology

2.      Bus topology
The network topology in which computers and other devices are arranged in linear format which uses a common backbone or wire to connect all the computers and devices is called bus topology.

  

4.      Advantages of bus topology

a)      It is easy to set up computers and other devices in bus topology, because all the devices are connected through a single wire.

b)     It requires fewer cable media, so it is cheaper than other topologies.

c)      It is easy to add new node to the network.

d)     Failure of one workstation does not affect other computers on the network.

5.      Disadvantages of bus topology

a)     The whole network system collapses if the cable or backbone is damaged.

b)     The network slows down if additional computers are connected.

c)     The limited length of the cable in a network may restrict to connect the workstation or devices.

d)     It is difficult to find fault in this network topology.

6.      Ring topology

The network topology in which computers are connected in the shape of a circle without any end points is called ring topology. Each workstation contains two neighbours for communication or an input and output connections.

7.      Diagram of ring topology

8.      Advantages of ring topology

i) It is easy it set up and configure.
ii) Each computer gets equal opportunity to access the network resources.
iii) It supports high data transmission rate.

iv) Performs better than a star topology under heavy network load.

9.      Disadvantages of ring topology

i)Failure of any cable or single computers may affect the entire network.
ii) It is difficult to detect the errors.
iii) Adding/removing the devices affect the entire network.

iv) Much slower than an Ethernet network under normal load.

10.   Star topology

The network topology in which all computers or other devices are connected through a central device through a central device called hub or switch is called star topology.

12.   Advantages of star topology

i) Easy to set up and configure.
ii) Failure of single computer or cable doesn’t affect the entire network.
iii) It is easy to find the fault.
iv) It is easy to extend to network by attaching new devices to the central devices.

13.   Disadvantages of star topology

i) It requires more cable in comparison of bus topology so it is more costly.
ii) Failure of central devices (hub or switch) break down the whole system.