Features of network Topologies
Network topology refers to how computers are connected to a network.
There are three main types of network topology: bus, ring and star.
The bus network
In a bus network all the workstations, servers and printers are joined to one cable (the bus). At each end of the cable a terminator is fitted to stop signals reflecting back down the bus.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|
| easy to install |
if the main cable fails or gets damaged the whole network will fail |
| cheap to install, as it doesn’t require much cable |
as more workstations are connected the performance of the network will become slower because of data collisions |
| every workstation on the network "sees" all of the data on the network – this is a security risk |
The star network
In a star network each device on the network has its own cable that connects to a switch or hub. A hub sends every packet of data to every device, whereas a switch only sends a packet of data to the destination device.
A star network, where devices are connected to a central hub or switch
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|
| very reliable – if one cable or device fails then all the others will continue to work | expensive to install as this type of network uses the most cable (network cable is expensive) |
| high performing as no data collisions can occur | extra hardwarehardware the physical components of a computer required (hubs or switches) which adds to cost |
| if a hub or switch fails all the devices connected to it will have no network connection |