Network Topologies Flashcards
What is a network Topology?
A network topology is a way of describing the interconnections and cabling of a group of computers
What is a physical Topology
Physical topology is how the devices or a group of computers are physically connected.
What is a logical Topology?
Logical topology is how the network devices communicate with each other
What is a star topology?
- Each device on the network is connected to a central communication device such as a Hub or switch
What happens if one cable breaks in a star topology?
If one network cable breaks, the workstation connected to it also fails, but it does not affect the rest of the network
What happens if the central hub fails in a star topology?
if the central hub fails the whole network will be inoperative as each workstation relies on the central hub for communication.
What is the central device - hub?
- central device - hub: network signals reach the hub that are sent out to all connected devices.
- The hub just repeats them all on its connections and does not process the signals
What is the central device - Switch?
- Central device - switch: uses a table that maps each device to the port it is connected to.
- switch is able to direct message to correct recipient
STAR TOPOLOGY - What is security and speed like?
- Improves security and speed
- messages are transmitted along a specific path from source to destination
STAR TOPOLOGY - What is reliability like?
- Switch or hub is a central point of failure
- if it fails, the connected devices will be unable to communicate or access network resources
- failure of individual cables will not affect the network
STAR TOPOLOGY - What are the advantages?
- If one of the network cables breaks only the computer connected to that cable is affected.
- Fast response time and no problems with data collision as each workstation has its own cable.
- Security can be installed at the central hub.
STAR TOPOLOGY - What are the disadvantages?
- All communication takes place via the central hub and if it fails the whole network will break down.
- Uses the most cable which can be expensive to purchase and install. Also long cable runs can cause the data signal to degrade.
BUS TOPOLOGY - What is a Bus Topology?
- The bus topology has one cable that connects every device on the network which is called the backbone
- Each device is connected to the main capable to join the network
BUS TOPOLOGY - What is the backbone?
- The one cable that connect to a every device on a network.
BUS TOPOLOGY - What is a terminator?
- At the end of the main capable there is a device called the terminator
- The terminator absorbs signals when they reach the end to prevent interference