Networks - Topologies Flashcards
What are the 2 types of network topologies?
Star topology
Bus topology
What are the attributes of a star topology.
All the devices are connected to a central switch or server that controls the network
The central switch allows many devices to access the server at the same time
They can be wired or wireless
What are the advantages of a star topology?
If a device fails or a cable is disconnected, the rest of the network is unaffected
Easy to add more devices
Better performance - data goes straight to the central device
Fewer data collisions
What are the disadvantages of a star topology?
If wired, every device need a cable to connect to the central switch or server - expensive
The switch itself is expensive hardware
Problem with switch means the whole network is affected
Maximum number of possible connections on the network is determined by the switch
What are the attributes of a bus topology?
Uses “backbone” cable, called a bus to connect to all devices
2 terminators are placed on either ends
What do the terminators do?
Prevent data from being reflected back and causing interference - would make the network unusable
What are the advantages of a bus network?
The network is unaffected if a device fails
It isn’t dependent on a central switch to keep the whole network running
Cheaper - less wiring and hardware is cheaper
What are the disadvantages of a bus topology?
Data collisions are common
More devices means higher chance of a data collision
Sometimes a bit slow
If a cable gets broken, the network splits
What happens when a data collisions happens?
The data must be resent which slows the network down
Why are bus topologies unsuitable for large networks?
Because more devices increases chances of data collisions
How would a bus topology try to avoid data collisions?
Wait for the bus to be avail before sending data - makes it slow
What happens if bus cables get broken?
The networks seperate
Since the separated network don’t have terminators, there will be lots of reflected networks which can shut down the whole network
