Network Topology

A network topology is how computers, printers, and other devices are connected over a network. It describes the layout of wires, devices, and routing paths.


BUS TOPOLOGY




The bus topology was fairly popular in the early years of networking. It’s easy to setup- not to mention inexpensive. All devices on the Bus Topology are connected using a single cable. If you need help remembering how the Bus Topology operates, think of it as the route a bus takes throughout a city.
It is extremely important to note that both ends of the main cable need to be terminated. If there is no terminator, the signal will bounce back when it reaches the end. The result: a bunch of collisions and noise that will disrupt the entire network.


Advantages
• It is easy to handle and implement.
• It is best suited for small networks.

Disadvantages
• The cable length is limited. This limits the number of stations that can be connected.
• This network topology can perform well only for a limited number of nodes.



RING TOPOLGY





The Ring Topology is a very interesting topology indeed. It is a lot more complex that it may seem- it looks like just a bunch of computers connected in a circle.
A frame travels along the circle, stopping at each node. If that node wants to transmit data, it adds destination address and data information to the frame. The frame then travels around the ring, searching for the destination node. When it’s found, the data is taken out of the frame and the cycle continues.

Advantages
• The data being transmitted between two nodes passes through all the intermediate nodes.
• A central server is not required for the management of this topology.


Disadvantages
• The failure of a single node of the network can cause the entire network to fail.
• The movement or changes made to network nodes affects the performance of the entire network.


STAR TOPOLOGY




One of the most popular topologies for Ethernet LANs is the star and extended star topology. It is easy to setup, it’s relatively cheap, and it creates more redundancy than the Bus Topology.
The Star Topology works by connecting each node to a central device. This central connection allows us to have a fully functioning network even when other devices fail. The only real threat to this topology is that if the central device goes down, so does the entire network.

Advantages
• Due to its centralized nature, the topology offers simplicity of operation.
• It also achieves an isolation of each device in the network.
• Easy to install and wire.
• No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices.
• Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

Disadvantages
• The network operation depends on the functioning of the central hub. Hence, the failure of the central hub leads to the failure of the entire network.


MY OPINION

I would say the star topology is generally considered more reliable. A bus network relies on a single, shared medium cable. If that cable goes down, then all hosts on that shared medium go down. Also, as you add more units, the performance degrades, because only one host can send at a time on the shared medium

A Star Topology uses a switch, which all host connect to, if one host goes down, it has no effect on the performance of the network. Also, each host can communicate and send data simultaneously which improves performance and efficiency, and a Start is more scalable, because you could buy a 48 port switch and connect 30 computers, then later, if you need to add 18 more, you can do so without seriously affecting the performance of your network.

A Ring Topology performs better than a bus topology under heavy network load but one malfunctioning workstation or bad port in the MAU can create problems for the entire network and they are much slower than an Ethernet network under normal load. Adds and changes of devices can affect the network.
Bus Networks are not really used nowadays, and are considered the most unreliable and ineffective method of networking computers.

*One very good example to support my point on why Star Topology would be the best and the most suitable; nowadays most households all over our country subscribe to either Starhub or Singtel broadband. They might have more than 2 devices, let’s say 3(2 laptops,1 desktop) at home that uses the net. So they would just buy a router to connect it to the Starhub or Singtel modem and the 3 devices would be connected to the router so that all the 3 devices can surf the net. It’s easy to install and troubleshoot if there is any problem.