Which topology will required if we want to connect 25 computers in a network?

Types of Network Topology

The arrangement of a network that comprises nodes and connecting lines via sender and receiver is referred to as network topology. The various network topologies are:

What is network topology?

Network topology is the description of the arrangement of nodes (e.g. networking switches and routers) and connections in a network, often represented as a graph.

No matter how identical two organizations are, no two networks are exactly alike. However, many organizations are relying on well-established network topology models. Network topologies outline how devices are connected together and how data is transmitted from one node to another.

A logical network topology is a conceptual representation of how devices operate at particular layers of abstraction. A physical topology details how devices are physically connected.Logical and physical topologies can both be represented as visual diagrams.

A network topology map is a map that allows an administrator to see the physical network layout of connected devices. Having the map of a network’s topology on hand is very useful for understanding how devices connect to each other and the best techniques for troubleshooting.

Types of Topology

There are five types of topology in computer networks:

Types of Network Topology Explained

When building a computer network, you need to define which network topology you want to use. There are multiple types of network topologies used nowadays, each with its pros and cons. The topology you choose determines the optimal performance of your network, scalability options, ease of maintenance, and the costs of building the network. That’s why it is important to select the right network topology type.

This blog post covers types of network topology, their advantages, and their disadvantages. It also provides recommendations on which network topology to use in different scenarios. Practical examples of using a specific type of network topologies can help you understand when each topology can be applied. After reading this blog post, you should be able to select the needed topology and equipment to build your own network.

Why is this relevant for C2G?

Our network cabling products - copper and fiber - provide the links between the nodes within the topology.

Overview

A network topology describes how computers, printers, and other devices (i.e. nodes) are connected to the network. The following topologies are most commonly used to build most networks.

Bus Topology

A bus topology exists when all of the nodes on the network are connected to a single cable. This single cable is commonly referred to as a backbone. Bus topology was used for early 10Base-2, ThinNet, and 10Base-5, ThickNet, coaxial cable Ethernet networks. In this topology messages sent from a node are broadcast to all nodes on the network. Only the intended recipient node accepts and processes the message. This type of network topology is relatively easy to install and inexpensive. This topology requires that both ends of the backbone cable be terminated. If the backbone is not terminated, then signal is likely to bounce back from the end of the cable causing data collisions and noise that may disrupt the network. The main drawbacks to this type of network topology are a limitation on the amount of computers that can be connected to the network, and the fact that only a single backbone cable is used to connect all of the nodes. Network using a bus topology are limited to only a few dozen computers. If the network exceeds this size performance, problems will likely result. If there is a failure in the backbone cable connecting all of the nodes, then the entire network will become unstable and potentially cease to function. This topology is not typically used in modern networks.

Bus Topology

Ring and Double Ring Topology

A ring topology exists when all of the nodes on the network are connected in a circle. Each node in the network acts as a repeater keeping the signal strong as it travels through the network. A node will generate a signal that is addressed to a specific computer on the network, and then the signal will be sent through the network in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. It is important to note that all signals on a network using this type of topology must travel in the same direction. This reduces the amount of data collision and noise on the network. The signal will continue through each node until it reaches the intended destination node. Typically this type of network will use a Token Ring protocol, which allows only one computer to transmit a signal at any given time. The main drawback of this type of topology is that if there is a failure of any of the nodes or cables connecting the nodes, then the network will become unstable and potentially cease to function. The solution to this drawback is a double ring topology. The double ring adds a secondary cable for redundancy in the case of a failure.

Ring Topology

Double Ring Topology

Star and Extended Star Topologies

The star and extended star are the most popular topologies for Ethernet networks. This type network is easy to setup, relatively inexpensive, and provides more redundancy than other topologies, i.e. bus topology. The star topology is configured by connecting all of the nodes on the network to central device. The central connection allows the network to continue functioning even if a single node or cable fails. The major drawback to this topology is that if the central device fails, then the network will become unstable or cease to function. The star topology is most suitable for small, centralized networks. The extended star topology adds sub-central devices that are connect to the central device. This type of topology is advantageous for large networks and provides functionality for the organization and subnetting of the IP address allocation within the network. The extended star topology is most suitable for large networks that may span an entire building.

Star Topology

Extended Star Topology

Tree/Hierarchical

The tree/hierarchical topology is configured by integrating multiple star topologies on a bus topology and using a central "root" node. The major drawback to this topology is that if the "root" node fails, then the network will become unstable or cease to function. This type of topology holds the advantage over a bus or star topology because it is able to better support future expansion of the network. However, this type of network is not commonly used because of the vulnerability of the topology.

Tree/Hierarchical Topology

Mesh Topology

This topology is divided into two different types; full-mesh and partial mesh. A full mesh topology provides a connection from each node to every other node on the network. This provides a fully redundant network and is the most reliable of all networks. If any link or node in the network fails, then there will be another path that will allow network traffic to continue. The major drawback to this type of network is the expense and complexity required to configure this topology. This type of topology is only used in small networks with only a few nodes. A partial mesh topology provides alternate routes from each node to some of the other nodes on the network. This type of topology provides some redundancy and is commonly used in backbone environments, networks where services are vital, and in wide area networks, WANs. The most notable partial mesh network is the Internet.

Mesh Topology

Partial Mesh Topology

This white paper is for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. C2G makes no guarantees, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information found in this document.

Network topology guide: Why it’s crucial you build the right structure

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In this tech-driven world, networking plays a crucial role in every individual’s and every organization’s day-to-day activities. But there has to be some specific models or guidelines that must be followed to connect one device to another. This logical or physical layout or configuration of a network is known as a network topology, and if you are an IT pro, here’s what you need to know.

A network topology is a substantial arrangement of a network in which all the nodes are connected with each other using network links or connecting lines. Apart from just describing how the nodes are interconnected, network topology also explains how the data is transferred in a network.

A logical network topology is a high-level representation of how two or more nodes are connected. A logical network topology describes or explains how signals act on a network and how the data is transmitted from one node to another at a very high level. On the other hand, a physical topology describes how nodes are physically connected to each other. The physical connection can be made using wires, wireless connectivity, networking components, and more.