network topology

• Network topology


  The physical and logical arrangement of nodes and connections in a network
• Network topology


  • Nodes usually include devices such as switches, routers and software with switch and router features
  • Network topologies are often represented as a graph
• Physical topology

  The physical layout of nodes and connections
• Logical topology


  The relationship between nodes and logical connections, defining how data should transfer
• Physical network topologies

  • Bus network
  • Star network
  • Ring network
  • Mesh network
  • Tree network
  • Hybrid network
• Bus network

  • Every node is connected in series along a single cable
• Star network

  • A central device connects to all other nodes through a central hub
• Ring network

  • The nodes are connected in a closed-loop configuration
  • Some rings pass data in one direction only, while others are capable of transmission in both directions
• Mesh network

  • Links nodes with connections so that multiple paths between at least some points of the network are available
  • A network is considered to be fully meshed if all nodes are directly connected to all other nodes and partially meshed if only some nodes have multiple connections to others
• Tree network

  • Consists of one root node, and all other nodes are connected in a hierarchy
• Hybrid network


  • Any combination of two or more topologies
• Logical topologies


  • Logical bus topology
  • Logical ring topology
• Diagramming a network topology

  1. Make a list of all devices in the network

  2. Choose the type of network topology

  3. Sketch out the diagram, placing devices in appropriate areas and drawing connections

  4. Use diagram software to map everything out, naming nodes and color-coding lines
• Network topology tools and software


  • Configuration and management tools
  • Network performance software
  • Network mapping software