Suppose a company hires you as network manager and you have to setup their small office as first task that has 10 computers, 2 printers and 1 scanner. Which topology do you think will be feasible in such case
Answers
Answer:
Explanation:
STAR Topology
In this type of topology all the computers are connected to a single hub through a cable. This hub is the central node and all others nodes are connected to the central node.
Star topology in computer networks
Features of Star Topology
Every node has its own dedicated connection to the hub.
Hub acts as a repeater for data flow.
Can be used with twisted pair, Optical Fibre or coaxial cable.
Advantages of Star Topology
Fast performance with few nodes and low network traffic.
Hub can be upgraded easily.
Easy to troubleshoot.
Easy to setup and modify.
Only that node is affected which has failed, rest of the nodes can work smoothly.
Disadvantages of Star Topology
Cost of installation is high.
Expensive to use.
If the hub fails then the whole network is stopped because all the nodes depend on the hub.
Performance is based on the hub that is it depends on its capacity
MESH Topology
It is a point-to-point connection to other nodes or devices. All the network nodes are connected to each other. Mesh has n(n-1)/2 physical channels to link n devices.
There are two techniques to transmit data over the Mesh topology, they are :
Routing
Flooding
MESH Topology: Routing
In routing, the nodes have a routing logic, as per the network requirements. Like routing logic to direct the data to reach the destination using the shortest distance. Or, routing logic which has information about the broken links, and it avoids those node etc. We can even have routing logic, to re-configure the failed nodes.
MESH Topology: Flooding
In flooding, the same data is transmitted to all the network nodes, hence no routing logic is required. The network is robust, and the its very unlikely to lose the data. But it leads to unwanted load over the network.
Mesh topology in computer networks
Types of Mesh Topology
Partial Mesh Topology : In this topology some of the systems are connected in the same fashion as mesh topology but some devices are only connected to two or three devices.
Full Mesh Topology : Each and every nodes or devices are connected to each other.
Features of Mesh Topology
Fully connected.
Robust.
Not flexible.
Advantages of Mesh Topology
Each connection can carry its own data load.
It is robust.
Fault is diagnosed easily.
Provides security and privacy.
Disadvantages of Mesh Topology
Installation and configuration is difficult.
Cabling cost is more.
Bulk wiring is required.
TREE Topology
It has a root node and all other nodes are connected to it forming a hierarchy. It is also called hierarchical topology. It should at least have three levels to the hierarchy.
Tree topology in computer networks
Features of Tree Topology
Ideal if workstations are located in groups.
Used in Wide Area Network.
Advantages of Tree Topology
Extension of bus and star topologies.
Expansion of nodes is possible and easy.
Easily managed and maintained.
Error detection is easily done.
Disadvantages of Tree Topology
Heavily cabled.
Costly.
If more nodes are added maintenance is difficult.
Central hub fails, network fails.
HYBRID Topology
It is two different types of topologies which is a mixture of two or more topologies. For example if in an office in one department ring topology is used and in another star topology is used, connecting these topologies will result in Hybrid Topology (ring topology and star topology).
Hybrid topology in computer networks
Features of Hybrid Topology
It is a combination of two or topologies
Inherits the advantages and disadvantages of the topologies included
Advantages of Hybrid Topology
Reliable as Error detecting and trouble shooting is easy.
Effective.
Scalable as size can be increased easily.
Flexible.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology
Complex in design.
Costly.