Network Topology (Bus, Star, Mesh, Ring, Tree, Graph) - The pattern of computers in a network

We all know what Network is and what it can do. But the problem is how can we link computers to make a network? What structure should we follow to making a network? The solution to all these problems is Topology. Today in this blog we will know about Topology.

Network Topology

Before going deep in Topology we should know about Point-to-Point Link first.

point to point link-point to point link has two ends transmitter and receiver. the main characteristic of point to point link is that each transmitter transmits data to exactly one receiver and each receiver receives data from exactly one transmitter. In other words, we can say that it is two computer's link in which each computer can send or receive data directly from each other without any interruption of other computers.

Point to Point Link

The pattern in which computers/Nodes linked with a network known as Topology. Topology can be of 6 types-

• Bus Topology
• Star Topology
• Mesh Topology
• Ring Topology
• Tree Topology
• Graph Topology

You can also watch this video to know about Topology.

Let's explain all of this one by one 

Bus Topology:  Bus Topology is also known as Linear Topology. In this type of Topology each node attaches directly to a common cable which is known as the 'Backbone Network' when any computer wants to send data, all computers on the network receive the information but only one accepts the information. In this Topology, cable termination is required cable cannot be left unterminated.

Bus Topology

Advantages:

• Reliable, easy to use, and easy to install.
• Additional nodes can easily connect to the existing network at any point.

Disadvantages:

• Fault detection and isolation is difficult.
• In any case, the failure of the Backbone Network can affect all devices in the network. 

Star Topology: A Star Topology consists of devices connected by Point to Point link to a central Hub or Server. 1t

is easy to control and traffic flow is simple. Dala travels from the sender to the central hub and then to the receiver.

Advantages:

• Single connection failure does not affect the entire network.
• Fault detection is easier
• It is easy to add a new node without disturbing the entire network.

Disadvantages:

• If central Hub fails, the whole network fails.
• Needed a large number of cables so, it increases installation charges.

Mesh Topology: In this Topology each node in network creating Point to Point link with all nodes.

Advantages:

• Single connection failure does not affect the entire network.
• Fault detection is easier
• Every computer has multiple ways to transfer or receive data.

Disadvantages:

• Difficult to add a new node.
• Needed a large number of cables so, it increases installation charges.

Ring Topology: In this Topology, each node directly connected to two or only two neighbor computers. Data travels node to node only in one direction around the circle. That's why this Topology is also known as Circular Topology.

Advantages:

• Reliable, easy to use, and easy to install.
• Additional nodes can easily connect to the existing network at any point.
• Less expensive

Disadvantages:

• Fault detection and isolation is difficult.
• The failure of any node of the network can affect all devices in the network. 

Tree Topology: This topology makes a tree in its structure that's why it is known as Tree Topology. This is a combination of Bus and Star topology. Many hubs directly connected to the Bus and computers directly connected to the hubs.

Advantages:

• Error detection and correction is easy.
• Additional nodes can be added easily.

Disadvantages:

• When many segments added, Maintenance becomes difficult.
• The failure of the backbone network can affect all devices in the network. 

Graph Topology: This Topology is a mixture of all topologies. In this topology, every node has many ways to send data to the other computers.