Types of Topology, Definition of topology

Definition of Topology

Topology is a method of which the other work stations are connected manually.The most popular topologies are the bus, ring and star topology. Network topology explains the way in which the nodes are connected between each other.

Types of Topology in Detail

There are four types of Topology namely Mesh Topology – In a network each and every node has a unique point-to-point link with all the other nodes. In mesh topology it will connect or share traffic between two nodes only.

Advantages of Mesh topology

There is a facility of a unique link between nodes to ensure higher finest data rate and remove traffic issues. Privacy and security are really high Mesh topology is strong. But the main advantage is when a link of other nodes fail to connect it will not affect the entire network. Error identification and error isolation can be found easy with this topology.


StarTopology — A central hub will be there and a number of devices will be connected in this topology this is called Star Topology. In this topology node wants to communicate with another node, the data will pass through the central hub then it relays the data to the exact node which the node wants to communicate

Advantages of Star Topology

First of all Star Topology is less expensive because each one of the device needs only one link and one I/O port , it takes a very little time to install and also quite easy to configure it. Star topology is also strong like Mesh topology, if any node fails to connect it will not affect the network, easy fault identification and error isolation easy to modify

This topology is connected with multiple devices with the help of connectors and drop cables. A long cable which acts as a backbone to the link in this network. Sometimes the signal of communication becomes very weak. When it transmits the signal all the workstation connected or the bus will receive the information but only one will accept the information using the method called address matching.

Ring Topology In this topology each device is connected by a separate point to point link forming a ring type structure .

Advantages of Ring Topology — Installation is easy in Ring topology Link failure can be easily identified .Devices are connected with their related nodes only.

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