Network Topology

Network Topology

A network topology is the arrangement of a network, including its nodes and connecting lines. There are two ways of defining network geometry: the physical topology and the logical (or signal) topology.

The physical topology of a network is the actual geometric layout of workstations. There are several common physical topologies, as described below and as shown in the illustration.

Types of Network Topology

Linear Bus Topology
Linear Bus Topology is a network type in which every computer and network device is connected to single cable. 




Ring Topology


It is called Ring Topology it forms a ring as each computer is connected to another computer, with the last one connected to the first. Exactly two neighbours for each device.




Star Topology
In this type of topology all the computers are connected to a single hub through a cable. this hub is the central node all others nodes are connected to the central node.


Mesh Topology
In flooding, the same data is transmitted to all the network nodes, hence no routing logic is required. The network is robust, and the its very unlikely to lose the data. But it leads to unwanted load over the network.




Hybrid Topology
It is two different types of topologies which is a mixture of two or more topologies. For example if in an office in one department ring topology is used and in anoter star topology is used, connecting these topologies will result in Hybrid Topology.