Network Topologies
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Topic:Computer_networks:Network Topologies
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[edit] Introduction
The term Network Topology refers to the logical representation of the layout of your network. While the topology of your network may closely resemble the physical layout of your network, it is entirely possible for the two to be completely different. There are several common network topologies, and they are explained below.
[edit] Network Topologies
[edit] Bus
In a bus topology, computers in a data network are connected to each other in a linear fashion, or from network card to network card. This topology is the most prone to failure, as a severed link between any of the computers near the middle of the network would break the network into two segments.
[edit] Ring
In a ring topology, computers are connected in a linear fashion, but either end of the network is connected to the other. This topology is provides more protection against failure than a bus topology, as a severed link would result in traffic traveling in the opposite direction around the ring.
[edit] Star
In a star topology, a computer or device with multiple network cards/ports acts as a central connection point for all other devices on the network.
[edit] Extended Star
An extended star topology functions much like a star topology, but, as the name implies, it offers a hierarchical approach to the network. The best example of an extended star topology is to visualize two or more star networks connected together.
[edit] Partial Mesh
In a partial mesh topology, almost every computer or device has at least one connection to every other device on the network. This is the next best failure resistant topology as it is not as expensive as a full mesh, but more expensive than any of the other topologies.
[edit] Full Mesh
In a full mesh topology, each computer or device has at least one connection to every other device on the network. This is the most failure resistant topology, but also the most expensive as extra network cards and cable is required as the network grows.
