Network Topologies Flashcards
Explain a bus topology
The nodes are all connected to a bus (a single cable through which data is sent).
Advantages and Dis-advantages of a bus topology
Advantages:
-Easy to add more computer systems to the network.
-Quick to set up – well suited for temporary network.
-Cost-effective – less cabling.
Disadvantages:
-Limited cable length and number of stations
-If there is a problem with the main cable or connection, the entire network goes down.
-Low security – all computers on the bus can see all data transmissions.
Explain a ring topology
In a ring network, computer systems are connected in a ring or a loop.
Advantages and Dis-advantages of a ring topology
Advantages:
-consistent data transfer speeds.
-packets travel in one direction only.
-Adding additional nodes has very little impact on bandwidth.
Disadvantages:
-If any of the computer systems fail, the ring is broken and data cannot be transmitted efficiently.
-If there is a problem with the main cable or connection, the entire network goes down.
-It is difficult to troubleshoot the ring.
Explain a star topology
In a star network, each computer system is connected to a central node: a hub or switch.
Advantages and Dis-advantages of a star topology
Advantages:
-Good performance/fast network speed.
-Easy to set up.
-Better security
Disadvantages:
-Expensive to install – hub/switch required.
-Extra hardware required, such as a hub
Explain a mesh topology
In a mesh network, each computer system is connected to every other computer system.
Advantages and Dis-advantages of a mesh topology
Advantages:
-If one connection fails there are many alternatives.
-It can withstand high traffic.
-New nodes can be added without disrupting the network.
Disadvantages:
-Expensive to install – more cabling required.
-Redundant cabling (some nodes will never communicate with each other)
-Set up / maintenance is more difficult.
How does a bus topology work?
The bus carries packets along the cable. As the packets arrive at each computer system, it checks the destination address contained in the packet to see if it matches its own. If the address does not match, the computer system ignores the packet. If the address of the computer system matches that contained in the packet, it processes the data.
How does a ring topology work?
Packets are sent around the ring in one direction, being passed from one computer system to the next. As the packets arrive at each computer system, it checks the destination address contained in the packet to see if it matches its own. If the addresses match the computer processes the data, otherwise it ignores it.
How does a star topology work?
Each node is connected to the central node (usually a hub or switch) and transfers its data packets here. The hub/switch looks at the destination address and transfers the packets to the intended computer only.
How does a mesh topology work?
Data packets are transferred to the destination address along the quickest path, travelling from node to node. If a pathway is broken, there are many alternative paths that the packets can take.
