Network Topologies

SYSTEM SOFTWARE 1 MODULE 2

TUTORIAL 1 - NETWORK TOPOLOGIES

Topologies describe the physical and logical layout of a network. It is crucial to understand the concept of topologies so as to have better knowledge and be able to create new topologies when working with networks.

v  Logical topology refers to how the hosts access the medium and communicate on the network. It is commonly divided into two, mainly: Broadcasting where a host broadcast a message to all hosts on the same network segment on a first in, first out basis and Token passing that controls network access by passing an electronic token sequentially to each host.

v  Physical topology defines the way devices on a network are connected. Types of physical topologies include

·         Bus topology- all computers are interconnected using one cable. The example of a bus line through the city can be used as imagery for how the computers are connected.

The cable has a smaller cap allocated at the end called a Terminator that prevents signals from bouncing back and causing errors.

·         Ring topology has devices connected in a physically circular shape. This topology has no beginning or end.

·         Star topology has a central point which is usually a hub, switch or router.                                                                                                                             

Each device is connected directly to the central point by means of a cable segment. If any cable problem occurs, only the host is affected.

·         Hierarchical / Extended star topology is a star topology with a networking device connected to the main networking device. It is used by larger networks i.e universities and corporations.

·         Mesh topology connects all devices to each other. A failure in cabling or device connection does not affect the network

·         Hybrid topology is a combination of two or more basic network topologies. It can be implemented for a number of different network environments.

DIAGRAMS

REFERENCE LIST

Boger, P.ed.2013.IT ESSENTIALS:PC Hardware and software Companion Guide.FifthEdition.Indianapolis,USA:Cisco Press.

Image

Network topologies diagram.2015.Available: http://www.conceptdraw.com/examples/topologies.
(Accessed 07 September 2015)