Mesh, Bus, Ring and Star topologies
The term Topology refers to the physical or logical shape or layout of a network. Communication between different nodes within a network is determined by its topology. Mesh, Bus, Ring and Star are four of the most common network topologies, each with advantages and disadvantages in relation to each other.
Mesh Topology
The Mesh topology is true to its name in that there are multiple redundant interconnections between network nodes. A mesh network can employ one of two connection arrangements, full mesh or partial mesh. Full mesh topology is when each node is directly connected to every other node on the network. Partial mesh topology occurs when some nodes are connected to every other, but othersshow more content
Nodes adjacent to each other are directly connected while others are indirectly connected with the data passing through one or more intermediate nodes. The ring topology may be the best choice when system requirements are lesser and nodes are at scattered points. If nodes are reasonably close, the implementation cost can be lower than other topologies when cable routes are chosen wisely. While cost effective, the ring network can have reliability issues. If a break in cable occurs data speed can suffer due to an increased data path. If two breaks occur, some nodes may be completely cut off from the others.
Star Topology Star topology refers to a network where each node is directly connected to a common central computer. Each individual node is connected to the other through the central computer. Star networks work best when nodes are at scattered points. Star network are relatively easy to maintain and provide a reasonable amount of reliability. If a single node fails only the node itself is isolated. All other nodes will continue to function as normal but will not be able to communicate with the isolated device. Star networks provide little or no inherent redundancy. If the central computer fails the entire system will fail.
The term Topology refers to the physical or logical shape or layout of a network. Communication between different nodes within a network is determined by its topology. Mesh, Bus, Ring and Star are four of the most common network topologies, each with advantages and disadvantages in relation to each other.
Mesh Topology
The Mesh topology is true to its name in that there are multiple redundant interconnections between network nodes. A mesh network can employ one of two connection arrangements, full mesh or partial mesh. Full mesh topology is when each node is directly connected to every other node on the network. Partial mesh topology occurs when some nodes are connected to every other, but othersshow more content
Nodes adjacent to each other are directly connected while others are indirectly connected with the data passing through one or more intermediate nodes. The ring topology may be the best choice when system requirements are lesser and nodes are at scattered points. If nodes are reasonably close, the implementation cost can be lower than other topologies when cable routes are chosen wisely. While cost effective, the ring network can have reliability issues. If a break in cable occurs data speed can suffer due to an increased data path. If two breaks occur, some nodes may be completely cut off from the others.
Star Topology Star topology refers to a network where each node is directly connected to a common central computer. Each individual node is connected to the other through the central computer. Star networks work best when nodes are at scattered points. Star network are relatively easy to maintain and provide a reasonable amount of reliability. If a single node fails only the node itself is isolated. All other nodes will continue to function as normal but will not be able to communicate with the isolated device. Star networks provide little or no inherent redundancy. If the central computer fails the entire system will fail.
Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI and Wireless
Ethernet
Ethernet was first designed in 1973 by Xerox researcher Bob Metcalfe. It has since become the most widely