toplogies

• Network Topologies


  The physical layout of the components in a network

  
• Bus Topology


  1. All the workstations, servers and printers are joined to one common cable (the bus) along which signals are sent

  2. A terminator is fitted at each end to stop signals reflecting back down the bus

  3. The bus carries packets along the cable

  4. As the packet arrives at each computer system, it checks the destination address to see if it matches its own

  5. If it does not match, the computer system ignores the packet

  6. If the computer address matches that contained in the packet, it processes the data
• Ring Topology


  1. Each device (workstation, server, printer) is connected to exactly two other devices on a main communication cable

  2. This forms a single ring for the signals to travel around

  3. Each packet of data travels in one direction

  4. Each device receives each packet in turn until the destination device receives it
• Star Topology


  1. Each device on the network has its own cable that connects to a switch or hub, which is a conduit to transmit messages

  2. The hub sends every packet of data to every device, whereas a switch only sends a packet of data to the destination device
• Mesh Network


  1. Each node relays data for the network

  2. All mesh nodes cooperate in the distribution of data in the network

  3. Nodes are connected to as many other nodes as possible to allow for information to be sent

  4. The address of a packet of data is checked and it is sent down the best pathway available

  5. There may be several options (much like two routes to get to a town using roads)

  6. The network monitors for non-received/re-sent packets and uses this to determine the better available routes to use
• pros and cons of bus ring star and mesh