Network Topologies

• What is a network topology?

  The layout of network
• What is a star topology?

  All devices are connected to a central switch or server that controls the network
• advantages of a star topology

  1. If a device/cable of fails the rest of the network is unaffected
  2. its simple to add more devices
  3. better performance as data goes straight to the central device so all devices can transmit data at once with fewer data collisions
• disadvantages of star topologies

  1. in wired networks, every device needs a cable to connect to the central switch or server which can be expensive
  2. if there is a problem with the switch/server the whole network is affected
• What is a mesh topology?

  1. All devices are connected to each other
• advantage of mesh


  the network cannot fail as if one device fails then data is sent along a different route
• disadvantage of mesh


  very expensive as a lot of wires are needed
• what is the difference between a full mesh and partial mesh

  full mesh- every device is connected to every other device

  partial mesh- not all devices are fully connected