Network TopologyDefinition and Types

Definition of Network Topology

Network Topology is the layout pattern of interconnections of the various elements of a computer or biological network. And it is of two(2) types; Physical and Logical.

Physical Topology: refers to the physical design of a network including the devices, locations and cable installation

Logical Topology: refers to how data is actually transferred in a network as opposed to its physical design.

Bus topology

A bus network topology is a network architecture in which sets of clients are connected via a shared communications line, called a bus.

Node1

Node3

Node4

Node5

Node2

Star Topology

Star network topology is the most common computer network topology.

A star network consist of one central switch, hub or computer, which acts as a conduit to transmit messages

HubHub

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Node2

Node5 Node

4

Node5

Mesh Topology

Mesh topology is a type of networking where each node must not only capture and disseminate its own data, but also serve as a relay for other nodes, i.e it must collaborate to propagate the data in the network

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Node5

Node1

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Ring Topology

Ring topology is a network topology in which each node connects to exactly two or other nodes, forming a single continuous pathway for signals through each node-a ring

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Network DevicesRouter

Gateway

Switch

Bridge

Repeater

RouterForwards data packets between computer networks.

Creats overlay internetwork.

Traffic directing

GatewayA gateway is a combination of hardware and software

Translate between different protocol suites

Operates on all 7 layers of the OSI model

SwitchReceives and transmit messages to other devices on the network

Operate at one or more layers of the OSI model

BridgeEthernet networks use transparent bridges

Token Ring networks use source-routing bridges Translation Bridges

RepeaterAn analog device that amplifies an input signal regardless of its nature

Operates on the physical layer, the 1st layer of the OSI model