"Network topology is the arrangement of the elements (links, nodes, etc.) of a communication network."
The geometric arrangement of devices and connections in a network. Includes bus, star, ring, mesh, tree, hybrid topologies among others.
Types of Network Topologies: A network topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of devices on a network. The different types of network topologies include star, bus, ring, mesh, and hybrid topologies.
Star Topology: In a star topology, all devices on a network are connected to a central device. This central device, usually a switch or hub, manages the flow of data across the network.
Bus Topology: A bus topology connects all devices on a network to a single cable. Data is transmitted along this cable to all devices on the network. If the cable is damaged, the entire network goes down.
Ring Topology: In a ring topology, data travels in a circular fashion from device to device. Each device on the network serves as a repeater to amplify the data signal.
Mesh Topology: In a mesh topology, each device on the network is connected to every other device. This allows for multiple paths for data to travel, ensuring that data can always reach its intended destination.
Hybrid Topology: A hybrid topology is a combination of two or more types of network topologies.
Network Devices: Common network devices include switches, routers, hubs, and bridges. These devices are used to connect devices on a network and manage the flow of data across the network.
Network architecture: Network architecture refers to the design of a network. This includes factors such as the physical layout of devices, the types of devices used, and the protocols used to transmit data.
Network protocols: Network protocols refer to the rules and procedures used to govern the transmission of data across a network. Examples of network protocols include TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, and SMTP.
LANs vs. WANs: LANs (local area networks) are networks that cover a small geographic area, such as a single building or office. WANs (wide area networks) cover a larger geographic area, such as multiple buildings or even multiple cities.
Network Security: Network security refers to the measures taken to protect a network from unauthorized access, theft, and damage. Common network security measures include firewalls, encryption, and authentication.
Network Management: Network management refers to the ongoing process of monitoring, maintaining, and optimizing a network to ensure its maximum performance and efficiency.
Network Troubleshooting: Network troubleshooting refers to the process of identifying and resolving issues on a network. This requires a good understanding of network topologies, devices, protocols, and other related topics.
Bus Topology: In a bus topology, all devices are connected to a single cable called the backbone. Data is transmitted in both directions along this backbone.
Star Topology: In a star topology, all devices are connected to a central hub or switch. Data is transmitted from the device to the hub, which then forwards it to the intended recipient.
Ring Topology: In a ring topology, devices are connected in a closed loop. Data is transmitted in a single direction around the ring, with each device forwarding the data to the next until it reaches its destination.
Mesh Topology: In a mesh topology, devices are connected to multiple paths, allowing for redundant connections and improved reliability.
Tree Topology: A tree topology is a mix of bus and star topology. Devices are connected to a central hub or switch, with additional hubs or switches connecting to the main hub in a hierarchical structure.
Hybrid Topology: A hybrid topology is a combination of two or more different topologies. This allows for more flexibility and can improve efficiency and reliability.
Point-to-Point Topology: In a point-to-point topology, two devices are directly connected, with data transmitted directly between them.
Fully Connected Topology: In a fully connected topology, every device is directly connected to every other device, creating a direct path for data transmission between any two devices.
Daisy Chain Topology: In a daisy chain topology, devices are connected in series, with each device connected to the previous and the next device in the chain.
Mesh Network Topology: A mesh network topology is a decentralized network where nodes connect directly to each other to provide reliability.
Cellular Topology: Cell phones and tablets are interconnected through towers and that tower is connected to exchanges to complete a call.
Star-bus Topology: In a star-bus topology, each hub acts as a bus for its own set of devices, while the hubs are interconnected in a star configuration.
Centralized Topology: All devices are connected to a single central device or location, which acts as the hub for all data transmission.
Peer-to-Peer Topology: In a peer-to-peer topology, each device is connected to every other device, creating a decentralized network where data is transmitted directly between devices.
"Network topology can be used to define or describe the arrangement of various types of telecommunication networks."
"Network topology can be used to define or describe the arrangement of various types of telecommunication networks, including command and control radio networks, industrial fieldbusses and computer networks."
"It is an application of graph theory wherein communicating devices are modeled as nodes and the connections between the devices are modeled as links or lines between the nodes."
"Physical topology is the placement of the various components of a network, while logical topology illustrates how data flows within a network."
"Distances between nodes, physical interconnections, transmission rates, or signal types may differ between two different networks, yet their logical topologies may be identical."
"A network’s physical topology is a particular concern of the physical layer of the OSI model."
"A wide variety of physical topologies have been used in LANs, including ring, bus, mesh, and star."
"Conversely, mapping the data flow between the components determines the logical topology of the network."
"Controller Area Networks, common in vehicles, are primarily distributed control system networks of one or more controllers interconnected with sensors and actuators over a physical bus topology."
"The connections between the devices are modeled as links or lines between the nodes."
"Physical topology is the placement of the various components of a network (e.g., device location and cable installation)."
"A wide variety of physical topologies have been used in LANs, including ring..."
"Any given node in the LAN has one or more physical links to other devices in the network..."
"...logical topology illustrates how data flows within a network."
"...yet their logical topologies may be identical."
"Examples of network topologies are found in local area networks (LAN)..."
"Graphically mapping these links results in a geometric shape that can be used to describe the physical topology of the network."
"A wide variety of physical topologies have been used in LANs, including ring, bus, mesh, and star."
"Controllers interconnected with sensors and actuators over, invariably, a physical bus topology."