Network Topology

• What is network topology?

  Arrangement of computers in a network
• What is a physical star topology?

  Each client connects to a central server
• What is a logical bus network topology?

  All devices share a single communication line
• How do physical star topology and logical bus topology differ?

  Star has individual connections; bus shares one
• What is a network?

  Computers connected for communication
• What is a node in a network?

  Each device connected in the network
• What is a server?

  A high spec computer for processing
• What is a client in a network?

  Any computer connected to the network
• What is required for a device to connect to a server?

  A network interface card (NIC)
• What is the purpose of a NIC?

  To connect devices to a network
• What is a Local Area Network (LAN)?

  Computers over a small geographical distance
• What is a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

  Computers over a large geographical distance
• What functions does a typical home router perform?

  Receives data, adds firewall, acts as switch
• What is the role of a server in a star network?

  Central connection for all clients
• What are the advantages of a star network?

  Fast speed, easy fault-finding, secure
• What are the disadvantages of a star network?

  Expensive setup, cable failure affects all
• What does physical topology refer to?

  Actual connection of cables in a network
• What does logical topology describe?

  Path taken by data packets in a network
• What are the key features of a star network?

  • Each client connects to a central server
  • High specification server with large capacity
  • Centralized software management
  • Additional hardware like switches and routers
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of a star network?

  Advantages:

  • Fast connection speed
  • Easier fault-finding
  • Easy to add new clients
  • Individual client failure does not affect others
  • Relatively secure

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Expensive setup
  • Difficult installation
  • Server congestion possible
  • Cable failure disrupts communication