Network Topology - Revision history

Liberag at 03:46, 13 April 2009

2009-04-13T03:46:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:46, 13 April 2009
Line 75:		Line 75:

	==See Also==		==See Also==
-	[http://imps.mcmaster.ca/courses/SE-4C03-09/project/wiki-pages.html 4C03 Project Listing]	+	[http://imps.mcmaster.ca/courses/SE-4C03-09/project/wiki-pages.html 4C03 Project Listing]<br>
	[[Network]]		[[Network]]

Line 84:		Line 84:
	*[http://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkdesign/a/topologies.htm Network Topologies on About.com]		*[http://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkdesign/a/topologies.htm Network Topologies on About.com]
	*[http://www.atis.org/glossary/definition.aspx?id=3516 Network Topology]		*[http://www.atis.org/glossary/definition.aspx?id=3516 Network Topology]
-	--[[User:Liberag\|Liberag]] 23:29, 12 April 2009 (EDT)	+	--[[User:Liberag\|Liberag]] 23:46, 12 April 2009 (EDT)

Liberag at 03:45, 13 April 2009

2009-04-13T03:45:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:45, 13 April 2009
Line 76:		Line 76:
	==See Also==		==See Also==
	[http://imps.mcmaster.ca/courses/SE-4C03-09/project/wiki-pages.html 4C03 Project Listing]		[http://imps.mcmaster.ca/courses/SE-4C03-09/project/wiki-pages.html 4C03 Project Listing]
		+	[[Network]]
		+
	==External Links==		==External Links==
	*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_topology Wikipedia Article on Network Topology]		*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_topology Wikipedia Article on Network Topology]

Liberag at 03:44, 13 April 2009

2009-04-13T03:44:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:44, 13 April 2009
Line 74:		Line 74:
	5. "An Educator's Guide to School Networks, Chapter 5 Topology" '''Florida Center for Instructional Technology College of Education''' 2005 [http://fcit.usf.edu/Network/chap5/chap5.htm]		5. "An Educator's Guide to School Networks, Chapter 5 Topology" '''Florida Center for Instructional Technology College of Education''' 2005 [http://fcit.usf.edu/Network/chap5/chap5.htm]

		+	==See Also==
		+	[http://imps.mcmaster.ca/courses/SE-4C03-09/project/wiki-pages.html 4C03 Project Listing]
	==External Links==		==External Links==
	*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_topology Wikipedia Article on Network Topology]		*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_topology Wikipedia Article on Network Topology]

Liberag at 03:39, 13 April 2009

2009-04-13T03:39:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:39, 13 April 2009
Line 7:		Line 7:
	The bus topology uses a single transmission medium which all messages are broadcasted on. Each node receives every message, but only the intended target accepts it. Only one message can be sent at a time on a bus network, otherwise a collision will occur, corrupting the message.		The bus topology uses a single transmission medium which all messages are broadcasted on. Each node receives every message, but only the intended target accepts it. Only one message can be sent at a time on a bus network, otherwise a collision will occur, corrupting the message.
	=====Advantages=====		=====Advantages=====
-	*Simple to configure.	+	*Simple to configure.<sup>[5]</sup>
	=====Disadvantages=====		=====Disadvantages=====
-	*A fault in the main connection medium can cause the network to fail.	+	*A fault in the main connection medium can cause the network to fail. <sup>[5]</sup>
	*Very unsafe. Each computer receives all messages on the network. A computer can still accept messages even if its address does not match the destination address leading.		*Very unsafe. Each computer receives all messages on the network. A computer can still accept messages even if its address does not match the destination address leading.
	*Is slow under heavy load, and can prone to collision problems.		*Is slow under heavy load, and can prone to collision problems.
Line 30:		Line 30:
	The star topology consists of a central node (hub, router, etc.) connecting the peripheral nodes of the network together. Each message passes through the hub and is redirected to its destination.		The star topology consists of a central node (hub, router, etc.) connecting the peripheral nodes of the network together. Each message passes through the hub and is redirected to its destination.
	=====Advantages=====		=====Advantages=====
-	*Easy to detect errors and faults in the network. Each node is separate from all other nodes, so it is easy to isolate and fix certain problems with individual nodes without affecting the rest of the network.	+	*Easy to detect errors and faults in the network. Each node is separate from all other nodes, so it is easy to isolate and fix certain problems with individual nodes without affecting the rest of the network.<sup>[5]</sup>
-	*Any break in a connection between the central and peripheral nodes does not cause a failure in the network.	+	*Any break in a connection between the central and peripheral nodes does not cause a failure in the network.<sup>[5]</sup>
	*Minimizes the number of possible collisions.		*Minimizes the number of possible collisions.
	=====Disadvantages=====		=====Disadvantages=====
-	*If the hub has a fault, the entire network can fail.	+	*If the hub has a fault, the entire network can fail.<sup>[5]</sup>

	====Tree====		====Tree====
Line 44:		Line 44:
	*If there is a fault in the root node, the connections within each of the lesser tier networks will not be lost.		*If there is a fault in the root node, the connections within each of the lesser tier networks will not be lost.
	=====Disadvantages=====		=====Disadvantages=====
-	*If there is a fault in the root node, the connection between each of the lesser tier networks can be lost.	+	*If there is a fault in the root node, the connection between each of the lesser tier networks can be lost.<sup>[5]</sup>
	*Is more complex some other topologies, and is more difficult to configure.		*Is more complex some other topologies, and is more difficult to configure.

Line 54:		Line 54:
	*May be easy to expand. Only a small number of nodes may need to have their routing algorithms/tables updates to expand the network if the network is small, or the expansion occurs in an outlying region of the network.		*May be easy to expand. Only a small number of nodes may need to have their routing algorithms/tables updates to expand the network if the network is small, or the expansion occurs in an outlying region of the network.
	=====Disadvantages=====		=====Disadvantages=====
-	*Can be much more complex than other topologies. As the size of a mesh network grows the number of connections can grow exponentially, with the most extreme growth rate occurring in full meshes, which have n(n-1)/2 connections.	+	*Can be much more complex than other topologies. As the size of a mesh network grows the number of connections can grow exponentially, with the most extreme growth rate occurring in full meshes, which have n(n-1)/2 connections.<sup>[4]</sup>
	*If the routing algorithm/table is not properly implemented in any number of nodes, faults can occur. For example, lost messages and messages continuously passing through a cycle.		*If the routing algorithm/table is not properly implemented in any number of nodes, faults can occur. For example, lost messages and messages continuously passing through a cycle.
	*May be very difficult to expand. As highlighted in a full mesh, all nodes will need to have their routing algorithms/tables updates to include the new nodes.		*May be very difficult to expand. As highlighted in a full mesh, all nodes will need to have their routing algorithms/tables updates to include the new nodes.
Line 62:		Line 62:

	==Centralization==		==Centralization==
-	A network is centralized if there exists a central node, usually a hub or router, through which messages are passed. Both star and tree topologies contain these central nodes. From the central node, messages are redirected to the destination node, or at least passed in the direction of the destination node in the case of a tree. Each central node is responsible for knowing the address and routing information of each other node connected directly to it on the network. The peripheral nodes only pass messages to the central node. Centralized networks are far easier to expand upon than decentralized networks. When a new node, or set of nodes are added to an existing centralized network only the central node(s) needs to be updated in terms of routing information. Peripheral nodes take no part in routing messages thus is it not necessary to update them.	+	A network is centralized if there exists a central node, usually a hub or router, through which messages are passed.<sup>[2]</sup> Both star and tree topologies contain these central nodes. From the central node, messages are redirected to the destination node, or at least passed in the direction of the destination node in the case of a tree. Each central node is responsible for knowing the address and routing information of each other node connected directly to it on the network. The peripheral nodes only pass messages to the central node. Centralized networks are far easier to expand upon than decentralized networks. When a new node, or set of nodes are added to an existing centralized network only the central node(s) needs to be updated in terms of routing information. Peripheral nodes take no part in routing messages thus is it not necessary to update them.

	==Decentralization==		==Decentralization==
-	A decentralized network does not contain a central node, messages are passed directly from node to node. Bus, ring, and mesh topologies are all decentralized. Decentralization is particularly important in mesh networks. The redundancy in mesh networks is due directly to the lack of central nodes, allowing up to all nodes to share a connection with all other nodes. Decentralized networks are generally more difficult to expand upon than centralized networks. The exception to this is the bus topology since all messages are broadcasted. However, in the ring and mesh topologies, routing information will need to be changed for each node affected. This is a particular problem with full meshes, with each node on the network requiring new routing information.	+	A decentralized network does not contain a central node, messages are passed directly from node to node.<sup>[2]</sup> Bus, ring, and mesh topologies are all decentralized. Decentralization is particularly important in mesh networks. The redundancy in mesh networks is due directly to the lack of central nodes, allowing up to all nodes to share a connection with all other nodes. Decentralized networks are generally more difficult to expand upon than centralized networks. The exception to this is the bus topology since all messages are broadcasted. However, in the ring and mesh topologies, routing information will need to be changed for each node affected. This is a particular problem with full meshes, with each node on the network requiring new routing information.

	==References==		==References==
Line 71:		Line 71:
	2. "Network Topology" '''Wikipedia''' 2009 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_topology]<br>		2. "Network Topology" '''Wikipedia''' 2009 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_topology]<br>
	3. "Network Topologies" '''About.com''' 2009 [http://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkdesign/a/topologies.htm]<br>		3. "Network Topologies" '''About.com''' 2009 [http://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkdesign/a/topologies.htm]<br>
-	4. "network topology" '''ATIS''' 2007 [http://www.atis.org/glossary/definition.aspx?id=3516]<br>	+	4. "network topology" '''ATIS''' 2007 [http://www.atis.org/glossary/definition.aspx?id=3516]<br>
		+	5. "An Educator's Guide to School Networks, Chapter 5 Topology" '''Florida Center for Instructional Technology College of Education''' 2005 [http://fcit.usf.edu/Network/chap5/chap5.htm]

	==External Links==		==External Links==

Liberag at 03:29, 13 April 2009

2009-04-13T03:29:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:29, 13 April 2009
Line 79:		Line 79:
	*[http://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkdesign/a/topologies.htm Network Topologies on About.com]		*[http://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkdesign/a/topologies.htm Network Topologies on About.com]
	*[http://www.atis.org/glossary/definition.aspx?id=3516 Network Topology]		*[http://www.atis.org/glossary/definition.aspx?id=3516 Network Topology]
		+	--[[User:Liberag\|Liberag]] 23:29, 12 April 2009 (EDT)

Liberag at 03:27, 13 April 2009

2009-04-13T03:27:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:27, 13 April 2009
Line 62:		Line 62:

	==Centralization==		==Centralization==
-	A network is centralized if there exists a central node, usually a hub or router, through which messages are passed. Both star and tree topologies contain these central nodes. ~~All messages are passed through~~ the central node ~~and~~ are ~~then~~ redirected to the destination node, or at least passed ~~towards~~ the destination node in the case of a tree. Each central node is responsible for knowing the address and routing information of each other node connected directly to it on the network. The peripheral nodes only pass messages to the central node ~~which then routes them towards the messages destination~~. Centralized networks are far easier to expand upon. When a new node, or set of nodes are added to an existing network only the central node(s) ~~need~~ to be updated in terms of routing ~~capabilities~~. Peripheral nodes take no part in routing messages thus is it not necessary to update them.	+	A network is centralized if there exists a central node, usually a hub or router, through which messages are passed. Both star and tree topologies contain these central nodes. From the central node, messages are redirected to the destination node, or at least passed in the direction of the destination node in the case of a tree. Each central node is responsible for knowing the address and routing information of each other node connected directly to it on the network. The peripheral nodes only pass messages to the central node. Centralized networks are far easier to expand upon than decentralized networks. When a new node, or set of nodes are added to an existing centralized network only the central node(s) needs to be updated in terms of routing information. Peripheral nodes take no part in routing messages thus is it not necessary to update them.

	==Decentralization==		==Decentralization==
-	A decentralized network does not contain a central node, messages are passed directly from node to node. Bus, ring, and mesh topologies are all decentralized. Decentralization is particularly important in mesh networks. ~~Since~~ mesh networks ~~are decentralized~~, ~~it allows them~~ to ~~have multiple redundant connections~~. Decentralized networks are generally more difficult to expand upon. ~~Since in~~ the bus topology all messages are broadcasted ~~decentralization does not inhibit its ability to expand~~. However, in the ring and mesh topologies, routing information will need to be changed for each node affected ~~by the changes~~. This is a particular problem with full meshes~~. Each node needs to be provided~~ with new routing information ~~when the network is changed~~.	+	A decentralized network does not contain a central node, messages are passed directly from node to node. Bus, ring, and mesh topologies are all decentralized. Decentralization is particularly important in mesh networks. The redundancy in mesh networks is due directly to the lack of central nodes, allowing up to all nodes to share a connection with all other nodes. Decentralized networks are generally more difficult to expand upon than centralized networks. The exception to this is the bus topology since all messages are broadcasted. However, in the ring and mesh topologies, routing information will need to be changed for each node affected. This is a particular problem with full meshes, with each node on the network requiring new routing information.

	==References==		==References==

Liberag at 03:21, 13 April 2009

2009-04-13T03:21:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:21, 13 April 2009
Line 5:		Line 5:
	====Bus====		====Bus====
	[[Image:NetworkTopologies-Bus.png\|right\|thumb\|140px\|The layout of a bus network.]]		[[Image:NetworkTopologies-Bus.png\|right\|thumb\|140px\|The layout of a bus network.]]
-	The bus topology uses a single transmission medium on which all messages are broadcasted. Each node receives ~~all messages~~, but only the intended ~~destination~~ accepts it. Only one message can be sent at a time.	+	The bus topology uses a single transmission medium which all messages are broadcasted on. Each node receives every message, but only the intended target accepts it. Only one message can be sent at a time on a bus network, otherwise a collision will occur, corrupting the message.
	=====Advantages=====		=====Advantages=====
-	*Requires a minimal amount of connections.
	*Simple to configure.		*Simple to configure.
	=====Disadvantages=====		=====Disadvantages=====
-	*A fault in the main connection can ~~bring down~~ the ~~entire~~ network.	+	*A fault in the main connection medium can cause the network to fail.
-	*Very unsafe. Each computer receives all messages on the network. A computer can still accept messages even if its address does not match the destination address.	+	*Very unsafe. Each computer receives all messages on the network. A computer can still accept messages even if its address does not match the destination address leading.
-	*Is slow, and prone to collision problems.	+	*Is slow under heavy load, and can prone to collision problems.

	====Ring====		====Ring====
Line 18:		Line 17:
	In a ring topology each node is connected to exactly two other nodes forming a closed loop. Messages are passed along the ring in a single direction until they reach their destination.		In a ring topology each node is connected to exactly two other nodes forming a closed loop. Messages are passed along the ring in a single direction until they reach their destination.
	=====Dual-ring network=====		=====Dual-ring network=====
-	Dual-ring networks contain two separate rings networks which pass messages in opposite directions. Generally, only one ring is operating at a time. This ~~is to create~~ redundancy in the network if one of the rings fails.	+	Dual-ring networks contain two separate rings networks which pass messages in opposite directions. Generally, only one ring is operating at a time. This creates redundancy in the network so that if one of the rings fails backup ring will allow the network to continue to function.
	=====Advantages=====		=====Advantages=====
-	*Dual-ring networks are more reliable than bus, and other similar topologies. If a fault occurs in one of the ~~ring~~, the network does not fail ~~since there is another ring as a backup~~.	+	*Dual-ring networks are more reliable than bus, and other similar topologies. If a fault occurs in one of the rings, the network does not necessarily fail.
	*Is relatively simple to configure.		*Is relatively simple to configure.
	=====Disadvantages=====		=====Disadvantages=====
	*Single-ring networks provide no more reliability than the bus topology.		*Single-ring networks provide no more reliability than the bus topology.
-	*Due to all nodes wanting to send messages along the ring, issues concerning fairness.	+	*Due to all nodes wanting to send messages along the ring, issues concerning fairness arise.
		+	*Is slow under heavy load.

	====Star====		====Star====
	[[Image:NetworkTopologies-Star.png\|right\|thumb\|140px\|The layout of a star network.]]		[[Image:NetworkTopologies-Star.png\|right\|thumb\|140px\|The layout of a star network.]]
-	The star topology consists of a hub, router, etc., connecting ~~each other node~~ of the network. Each message passes through the hub and is redirected to its destination.	+	The star topology consists of a central node (hub, router, etc.) connecting the peripheral nodes of the network together. Each message passes through the hub and is redirected to its destination.
	=====Advantages=====		=====Advantages=====
-	*Easy to detect errors and faults. Each node is separate from all other nodes ~~through the hub~~, so it is easy to isolate and fix the ~~problem~~.	+	*Easy to detect errors and faults in the network. Each node is separate from all other nodes, so it is easy to isolate and fix certain problems with individual nodes without affecting the rest of the network.
-	*Any break in a connection between the ~~hub~~ and ~~a node will~~ not cause a failure in the network.	+	*Any break in a connection between the central and peripheral nodes does not cause a failure in the network.
	*Minimizes the number of possible collisions.		*Minimizes the number of possible collisions.
	=====Disadvantages=====		=====Disadvantages=====
Line 38:		Line 38:
	====Tree====		====Tree====
	[[Image:NetworkTopologies-Tree.png\|right\|thumb\|140px\|The layout of a tree network.]]		[[Image:NetworkTopologies-Tree.png\|right\|thumb\|140px\|The layout of a tree network.]]
-	Combining the characteristics of multiple star networks along a single bus network ~~with~~ a root node forms the tree topology. The ~~hub/~~central node of each star network is connected to the root node of the tree creating multiple tiers on the network. ~~The~~ root node ~~of the tree connects with the central node of the star network, which connects~~ to ~~more nodes in lower tiers~~.	+	Combining the characteristics of multiple star networks along a single bus network using a root node forms the tree topology. The central node of each star network is connected to the root node of the tree creating multiple tiers on the network. Messages passing between star networks pass through the root node to their destination.
	=====Advantages=====		=====Advantages=====
	*Easy to expand.		*Easy to expand.
-	*Allows for much larger number of nodes than bus or star networks ~~individually~~, ~~without~~ having the same speed and size limitations.	+	*Allows for much larger number of nodes than bus or star networks separately, while having the same speed and size limitations.
-	*If there is a fault in the root node, the connections within each of the ~~second~~ tier networks will not be lost.	+	*If there is a fault in the root node, the connections within each of the lesser tier networks will not be lost.
	=====Disadvantages=====		=====Disadvantages=====
-	*If there is a fault in the root node, the connection between each of the ~~second~~ tier networks can be lost.	+	*If there is a fault in the root node, the connection between each of the lesser tier networks can be lost.
-	*Is more complex some other topologies, ~~making it~~ more difficult to configure.	+	*Is more complex some other topologies, and is more difficult to configure.

	====Mesh====		====Mesh====
	[[Image:NetworkTopologies-Mesh.png\|right\|thumb\|140px\|The layout of a mesh network.]]		[[Image:NetworkTopologies-Mesh.png\|right\|thumb\|140px\|The layout of a mesh network.]]
-	Mesh topologies present multiple paths that a message can take to reach their destination. Each node is connected to one or more other nodes. If each node is connected to every other nodes then it is called fully connected or a full mesh. Messages are passed along the network by using a routing algorithm or table which determines the next ~~nodes~~ the message will take to reach its destination.	+	Mesh topologies present multiple paths that a message can take to reach their destination. Each node is connected to one or more other nodes. If each node is connected to every other nodes then it is called fully connected or a full mesh. Messages are passed along the network by using a routing algorithm or table which determines the next node the message will take to reach its destination.
	=====Advantages=====		=====Advantages=====
-	*Creates inherent ~~failure~~ protection through the redundancy of connections between nodes. There is generally multiple paths from ~~one~~ node to ~~another, so a~~ network fault will generally not cause a node from being disconnected from the network.	+	*Creates inherent fault protection through the redundancy in connections between nodes. There is generally multiple paths from node to node. A mesh network fault will thus generally not cause a node from being disconnected from the network.
-	*May be easy to expand. Only a small number of nodes may need to have their routing algorithms/tables updates to expand the network.	+	*May be easy to expand. Only a small number of nodes may need to have their routing algorithms/tables updates to expand the network if the network is small, or the expansion occurs in an outlying region of the network.
	=====Disadvantages=====		=====Disadvantages=====
-	*Can be much more complex than other topologies. As the size of a mesh network grows the number of connections can grow exponentially, with the most extreme growth rate occurring in full meshes, ~~having~~ n(n-1)/2 connections.	+	*Can be much more complex than other topologies. As the size of a mesh network grows the number of connections can grow exponentially, with the most extreme growth rate occurring in full meshes, which have n(n-1)/2 connections.
-	*If the routing algorithm/table is not properly implemented on any number of nodes ~~a number of errors~~ can occur, ~~such as~~ lost messages or messages continuously passing through a cycle.	+	*If the routing algorithm/table is not properly implemented in any number of nodes, faults can occur. For example, lost messages and messages continuously passing through a cycle.
	*May be very difficult to expand. As highlighted in a full mesh, all nodes will need to have their routing algorithms/tables updates to include the new nodes.		*May be very difficult to expand. As highlighted in a full mesh, all nodes will need to have their routing algorithms/tables updates to include the new nodes.

	==Hybrid Networks==		==Hybrid Networks==
-	Hybrids networks are networks that combine two or more of the basic types of topologies, such that ~~it creates~~ a new type of network. For example, connecting two bus networks together via a central node is a hybrid network, whereas ~~just~~ combining two bus networks is not. A practical example of hybrid ~~networks are~~ many home networks~~, which~~ combine LAN and WLAN~~. This combines~~ elements of bus, ring, and star topologies to create ~~one~~ network.	+	Hybrids networks are networks that combine two or more of the basic types of topologies, such that a new type of network is created.<sup>[4]</sup> For example, connecting two bus networks together via a central node is a hybrid network, whereas simply combining two bus networks is not. A practical example of a hybrid network is found in many home networks. Networks that combine LAN and WLAN have elements of bus, ring, and star topologies that create a single network.

	==Centralization==		==Centralization==
Line 71:		Line 71:
	2. "Network Topology" '''Wikipedia''' 2009 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_topology]<br>		2. "Network Topology" '''Wikipedia''' 2009 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_topology]<br>
	3. "Network Topologies" '''About.com''' 2009 [http://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkdesign/a/topologies.htm]<br>		3. "Network Topologies" '''About.com''' 2009 [http://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkdesign/a/topologies.htm]<br>
		+	4. "network topology" '''ATIS''' 2007 [http://www.atis.org/glossary/definition.aspx?id=3516]<br>

	==External Links==		==External Links==
Line 77:		Line 78:
	*[http://fcit.usf.edu/Network/chap5/chap5.htm An Educator's Guide to School Networks, Chapter 5 Topology]		*[http://fcit.usf.edu/Network/chap5/chap5.htm An Educator's Guide to School Networks, Chapter 5 Topology]
	*[http://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkdesign/a/topologies.htm Network Topologies on About.com]		*[http://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkdesign/a/topologies.htm Network Topologies on About.com]
		+	*[http://www.atis.org/glossary/definition.aspx?id=3516 Network Topology]

Liberag at 02:59, 13 April 2009

2009-04-13T02:59:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:59, 13 April 2009
Line 1:		Line 1:
	'''Network topology''' refers to the configuration of connections between the elements (links, nodes, etc.) of a network.<sup>[1]</sup> Network topology does not refer to the physical layout of a network, nor does it refer to transmission rates, signal types or other characteristics of computer networks.<sup>[2][3]</sup> Networks are normally organized by one (or more) of five basic types of topologies: bus, ring, star, tree, and mesh. In some instances two networks are interconnected forming a sixth type of topology: hybrid.		'''Network topology''' refers to the configuration of connections between the elements (links, nodes, etc.) of a network.<sup>[1]</sup> Network topology does not refer to the physical layout of a network, nor does it refer to transmission rates, signal types or other characteristics of computer networks.<sup>[2][3]</sup> Networks are normally organized by one (or more) of five basic types of topologies: bus, ring, star, tree, and mesh. In some instances two networks are interconnected forming a sixth type of topology: hybrid.
-	[[Image:NetworkTopologies.png\|right\|thumb\|~~400px~~\|Visualization of the major network topologies.]]	+	[[Image:NetworkTopologies.png\|right\|thumb\|508px\|Visualization of the major network topologies.]]
	==Types of Network Topologies==		==Types of Network Topologies==

Liberag at 02:59, 13 April 2009

2009-04-13T02:59:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:59, 13 April 2009
Line 1:		Line 1:
	'''Network topology''' refers to the configuration of connections between the elements (links, nodes, etc.) of a network.<sup>[1]</sup> Network topology does not refer to the physical layout of a network, nor does it refer to transmission rates, signal types or other characteristics of computer networks.<sup>[2][3]</sup> Networks are normally organized by one (or more) of five basic types of topologies: bus, ring, star, tree, and mesh. In some instances two networks are interconnected forming a sixth type of topology: hybrid.		'''Network topology''' refers to the configuration of connections between the elements (links, nodes, etc.) of a network.<sup>[1]</sup> Network topology does not refer to the physical layout of a network, nor does it refer to transmission rates, signal types or other characteristics of computer networks.<sup>[2][3]</sup> Networks are normally organized by one (or more) of five basic types of topologies: bus, ring, star, tree, and mesh. In some instances two networks are interconnected forming a sixth type of topology: hybrid.
-	[[Image:NetworkTopologies.png\|right\|thumb\|~~508px~~\|Visualization of the major network topologies.]]	+	[[Image:NetworkTopologies.png\|right\|thumb\|400px\|Visualization of the major network topologies.]]
	==Types of Network Topologies==		==Types of Network Topologies==

Liberag at 02:59, 13 April 2009

2009-04-13T02:59:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:59, 13 April 2009
Line 1:		Line 1:
-	'''Network topology''' refers to the configuration of ~~the physical and logical~~ connections between the elements (links, nodes, etc.) of a network. Network topology does not refer to the physical layout of a network, nor does it refer to transmission rates, signal types or other characteristics of computer networks. Networks are normally organized by one (or more) of five basic types of topologies: bus, ring, star, tree, and mesh. In some instances two networks are interconnected forming a sixth type of topology: hybrid.	+	'''Network topology''' refers to the configuration of connections between the elements (links, nodes, etc.) of a network.<sup>[1]</sup> Network topology does not refer to the physical layout of a network, nor does it refer to transmission rates, signal types or other characteristics of computer networks.<sup>[2][3]</sup> Networks are normally organized by one (or more) of five basic types of topologies: bus, ring, star, tree, and mesh. In some instances two networks are interconnected forming a sixth type of topology: hybrid.
	[[Image:NetworkTopologies.png\|right\|thumb\|508px\|Visualization of the major network topologies.]]		[[Image:NetworkTopologies.png\|right\|thumb\|508px\|Visualization of the major network topologies.]]
	==Types of Network Topologies==		==Types of Network Topologies==
Line 66:		Line 66:
	==Decentralization==		==Decentralization==
	A decentralized network does not contain a central node, messages are passed directly from node to node. Bus, ring, and mesh topologies are all decentralized. Decentralization is particularly important in mesh networks. Since mesh networks are decentralized, it allows them to have multiple redundant connections. Decentralized networks are generally more difficult to expand upon. Since in the bus topology all messages are broadcasted decentralization does not inhibit its ability to expand. However, in the ring and mesh topologies, routing information will need to be changed for each node affected by the changes. This is a particular problem with full meshes. Each node needs to be provided with new routing information when the network is changed.		A decentralized network does not contain a central node, messages are passed directly from node to node. Bus, ring, and mesh topologies are all decentralized. Decentralization is particularly important in mesh networks. Since mesh networks are decentralized, it allows them to have multiple redundant connections. Decentralized networks are generally more difficult to expand upon. Since in the bus topology all messages are broadcasted decentralization does not inhibit its ability to expand. However, in the ring and mesh topologies, routing information will need to be changed for each node affected by the changes. This is a particular problem with full meshes. Each node needs to be provided with new routing information when the network is changed.
		+
		+	==References==
		+	1. "A Guide to Network Topology" '''Learn Networking''' 2008 [http://learn-networking.com/network-design/a-guide-to-network-topology]<br>
		+	2. "Network Topology" '''Wikipedia''' 2009 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_topology]<br>
		+	3. "Network Topologies" '''About.com''' 2009 [http://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkdesign/a/topologies.htm]<br>

	==External Links==		==External Links==