Network Topologies

• What is a topology?

  A topology is essentially the layout of the network - Networks can be arranged in lots of different topologies
• What is a Star topology

  • In a star topology , all the devices are connected to a central switch or server that controls the network 
  • The central switch allows many devices to access the server simultaneously 
  • Star networks may be wired or wireless

  
• Traditional network set up : Bus topology

  • A bus topology is one of the traditional network setups  
  • In a bus topology, all devices are arranged in a line , connected to a single backbone cable 
  • Devices send data in both directions - but this causes data collisions which slow the network

  
• Traditional network set up : Ring topology

  • In a ring topology , data moves in one direction around the ring 
  • This prevents data collisions 
  • But only one device can send data at a time , and data passes through many devices before reaching its destination