Topologies Comparison
Topologies are categorized into different virtual shapes or structures with the basic types being Mesh, Bus, Ring, and Star. “More complex networks can be built as hybrids of two or more of the above basic topologies.” (Mitchell, 2008) These basic topologies are structured in to networks as Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI, and wireless networking. Any business or individual making a decision of which type of topology is best used for a specific environment or network should know and understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type of topology, in addition to the advantages and disadvantages of each network type.
MESH
MESH topology routes data sent through any of several possible avenues to the receiving node. MESH arrives at its name due to the amount of cabling and connections used to establish this type of topology. MESH topology is expensive to establish as it connects every node to all nodes on the network, however, MESH is considered the most reliable as it has the most redundancy. If one node fails the network can re-route traffic to another node. A MESH topology network can be straightforward to trouble shoot when a problem arises. “Full mesh is usually reserved for backbone networks.” (NetworkDictionary.com, 2008) This type of topology can be found in connection to a WAN or Wide Area Network and is frequently found in conjunction with other topologies to create a hybrid topology.
BUS
BUS topology uses a single cable, or common backbone to connect the nodes on the network. BUS arrives at its name as all nodes are linked by one linear bus or cable; all data sent onto the network transmits the length of the BUS. The node sending communication to the network broadcasts the data onto t...
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References:
NetworkDicitionary.com (2008), FDDI Fiber Distributed Data Interface. Retrieved June
June 28, 2009 from http://www.networkdictionary.com/protocols/fddi.php
NetworkDictionary.com. (2008). Mesh Network Topology and Architecture. Retrieved
June 28, 2009 from http://www.networkdicitionary.com/networking/mesh.php
Mikailov, PhD, M., April 28, 2008, BrainMass.com, OTA ID#: 105277, Retrieved
June 29, 2008, from http://www.brainmass.com/instant/?id
Mitchell, B. (2008) Your Guide to Wireless/Networking, About.com. Retrieved
June 28, 2008 at http://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkdesign/a/topologies.htm
Tomsho, G., Tittel, E., & Johnson, D. (2004). Guide to Networking Essentials. , Ch 6,
pg 94, Retrieved from UOP Library June 29, 2008 at
https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary/content/eReader.h
“Network topology is the arrangement of the various network elements such as node, link, of computer network. Basically, it is topological structure of a network which ether be physically or logically.”
Meanwhile, the advent of early PC’s and the recognition of the value in networking devices together gave rise to Local Area Networks. These LAN’s were developed from a business customer perspective, which placed more emphasis on costs and ease of use over reliability. There were a number of different competing LAN technologies, two of the most common being Token Ring (IBM) and Ethernet (everyone else). The triumph of Ethernet in the marketplace, to the extent where it is included in every PC, game console and some refrigerators, provides a consistent and relatively inexpensive way to build internal networks with relative ease.
Laid out in a line – Has a single cable connecting all of nodes. If one node breaks down the whole network breaks down
The Open Systems Interconnection model breaks down host-to-host transmissions into seven different layers where each one performs a specific function. At the same time each layer has the ability to also communicate with adjacent layers in either direction. In essence each layer interacts directly with the layer below it and at the same time also provides support to the layer above it.
In order to have a greater understanding of the terminology and descriptions offered in this paper, we must first understand what a network switch is. A brief definition of a network switch is a computer networking device that connects network segments. It uses the logic of a Network bridge, but allows a physical and logical star topology. It is often used to replace network hubs. A switch is also often referred to as an intelligent hub.
The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model is essential to the world of computer networking. The model was created in 1977 by the International Standards Committee, in response to a difficulty that was facing computer networkers at the time (Shelly, Cashman, and Serwatka 142). In order to understand the difficulty, one must first realize that computer networks consist of computer hardware, the software that is to be used in conjunction with this hardware, and the medium (such as wiring or cabling) that will interconnect the computing devices that are in the network. The computer networker’s job is to determine which hardware, software, and medium types will create the network that will best suit his client’s needs. Then, the networker must combine these elements into a functional system of interconnected computers (Fortino and Villeneuve 112). It was in attempting this latter task that the computer networker of the late 1970s often found himself in a pickle. The problem was that each vendor of computing equipment had developed his own unique set of products; products that were incompatible with the products of other vendors. This incompatibility made it very difficult for a computer networker to combine the various network components into an operational computer network (Stamper 27).
The 7-layer OSI network reference model delineates a hierarchy of abstract building blocks that provide basic protocols and services in a logically separated manner for the standardization of networks (Serpanos & Wolf, 2011; Cowley, 2012; Egyedi, 1997).
4. Each computer is connected to a central point, this topology requires a great deal of cable in a large network installation and could cost a great deal of time and money for installation.
In this topology, all nodes are connected to a central device, usually a hub or a switch. Each connected device has a dedicated, point-to-point connection between the device and the hub. The star network topology is by far the most widely implemented topology in use today.
Beasley, J. (2004). The Network switch. In J. Beasley, Networking (pp. 92-93). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
In the Figure 2.11, the star network topology is connected to a printer device and a wireless access point device, and acts as the backbone for two branches that connecting 25 PCs in a bus topology. In the star backbone, the devices are not directly connected to each other. For example, if a user wants to print a document, his PC is required t...
A Mesh topology is a style of connecting computers in a network in a fashion where every link has a redundant path. A mesh topology is also known as a self healing network in that if a segment of the network fails for what ever reason then the data can still be transmitted across another linked path. This would include possibly hoping across a few extra network segments to reach the destination but it would be able to do it. This redundancy of course comes with a price for the extra pathing that would be incurred to ensure that every node will be able to see every other node.
The term Topology refers to the physical or logical shape or layout of a network. Communication between different nodes within a network is determined by its topology. Mesh, Bus, Ring and Star are four of the most common network topologies, each with advantages and disadvantages in relation to each other.
The beginning of any good network starts with planning, and one of the main points of planning involved is the network topology. Network topologies consist of both physical and logical maps, each variant having positive and negative aspects as well as applications where one type would be more appropriate. A lot of modern network layouts are hybrids of both physical and logical networks.
Computers in technological development demand more efficient networking. In a very short period it has changed the way we have looked at things since centuries. It is one industry that is going to shape our future for centuries to come Coming from a background of Electronics and Communication Engineering, I have developed an interest to probe into the area of Networking and Computer Networks. Hence I wish to do Masters in Computer Science (CS) as my major.