Topologies Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is a topology?
In computer networking, a topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of devices and connections in a network. It describes how data flows between different components and impacts network performance, security, and scalability. Common network topologies include bus, star, ring, mesh, and tree.
What is a network topology?
A network topology determines how devices are connected and data travels through the network. Understanding network topology is important to ensure efficient communication and sharing of resources between devices.
What is bus topology?
First is bus topology, which is when all devices are connected to a single cable or line. The cable acts as a backbone and the devices are linked to it through connectors. In this type of topology, data is sent from one device to another by broadcasting it on the cable. All devices on the network receive the data, but only the device that the data is intended for processes it. Bus topology is best for small networks with few devices that are located close together. For example, devices in multiple rooms of a household that can be connected with a single line. The advantage of a bus topology is that it is simple and easy to install. However, a disadvantage is that the entire network will fail if the cable is cut or damaged.
What is ring topology?
In a ring topology, data travels in only one direction and the devices are linked to each other through connectors. Ring topology is usually used for high-speed data transfers between devices in a closed loop network when the data needs to travel in a specific direction from one device to another. The advantage of a ring topology is that it is efficient because data travels in only one direction. However, a disadvantage is that the entire network can fail if one device fails. In a star topology, devices are connected to a central switch. The switch acts as a central control point for the network and all data is sent through it.
What is star topology?
In a star topology, devices are connected to a central switch. The switch acts as a central control point for the network and all data is sent through it. In a star topology, each device is connected to the switch with its own cable. This is the most common topology used in homes or small offices like Sam’s, because it’s set up is simple and it provides and maintains good performance. It’s also very simple to troubleshoot because it’s easy to isolate and investigate one device without affecting others, and if one device fails, the rest of the network can continue to operate. However, a disadvantage is that the entire network can fail if the switch fails.
What is mesh topology?
Next is mesh topology, in which devices are connected to each other in a network of interlocking nodes. An interlocking node is when a device is connected to two or more devices in a mesh network. In such an arrangement, data can be sent from one device to another through multiple paths and there is no central point of control. Mesh topology is a good choice when the reliability is important because if one path fails, data can be sent through another path. However, a disadvantage is that setting up and installing can be complex and expensive. Last the tree topology. In this case, devices are connected to a central bus or line, and then sub-networks are created with their own bus or line.
What is tree topology?
Each sub-network can then have its own tree topology. Tree topology is also known as hierarchical topology. It is used for medium to large size networks where multiple star topologies need to be connected to each other. The advantage of a tree topology is that it can be used to create very large networks. However, disadvantage is that the entire network can fail if the central bus or line fails. It is important to note that technology changes and are updated all the time, so some of these topologies are not in use anymore.
What is physical topology?
A physical topology refers to how network devices are arranged and connected in a visible layout that can be observed from above.
What is logical topology?
A logical topology refers to how data is transmitted across a network and the possible routes it can take to reach its destination. These routes are called communication paths.
What is switch topology?
A switch can allow many devices to communicate at the same time. Logically, each cable is a communication path that gives every computer dedicated resources that are not shared. This configuration is unlike the hub, where each cable only allows one device physical access to one resource at a time. Both the physical and logical topologies for the network with a switch are in a star configuration.
