Network Topology

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Revision as of 17:56, 12 April 2009

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.

Types of Network Topology

Bus

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.

Ring

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.

Star

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.

Tree

Combining multiple star networks along a single bus network with a root node forms the tree topology.

Mesh

Mesh topologies present multiple paths that a message can take to reach their destination. Each node can be connected with n-1 other nodes, where n is the total number of nodes on the network. If each node is connected with n-1 nodes, then the mesh network is referred as being fully connected or as a full mesh.