Network Topologies

There are several different types of network topologies; a network topology is the structure and schematic of how network components are physically organized (do not confuse physically with hard wiring vs. wireless). Possibly the simplest network topology is the bus topology. In a bus, all of the devices are connected to a single central cable, also known as the bus or the backbone. This is the easiest network to set up as it is essentially “plug-and-play”; you hook up as many devices as you need too to the backbone and your set. Since this is fairly cheap and easy to install, many businesses use this topology for their networks. Another huge benefit of the bus topology is the room for growth. All you need to add another device is a couple dollar connector. However, there is one critical point in the network that can cause failure in the entire network – the backbone. If the backbone fails for some odd reason, all the devices hooked up to it will not be operating on the network. Below is a picture of a typical bus topology.


Another type of network topology is the star topology. The star network is very similar to the bus topology. Instead of a common central cable or backbone, you have a hub. A hub is a network component that receives information and then forwards, or routes, the information onto the correct destination. Star networks are very easy to install and to maintain, thus inexpensive, as all the devices are hooked up to a single location. Also, if the business grows, you simply attach one more device to the hub and you are ready to go. Like all networks, there are downsides to this specific network and that is the hub. If the hub fails, then all devices on the network do not have their data routed and nothing happens. The upside to this is that you have one simple component to troubleshoot or repair to get your network back again. Another downside is that all the information from many sources must pass through one location. Compare this to a garden hose when you pinch the end the water comes out faster; but in networking data velocity is not your friend, it takes longer to process. So at times this network can be slow if large packets of data are being transmitted from different users at the same time. Below is a picture of a typical star network.


Finally, there is a ring topology. A ring network is different than the relatively comparative qualities of the star and bus topology. A ring network utilizes devices in multiples of three; there is one device that is connected to two other devices. One of the devices it is connected to is in turn connected to two devices: one being the original device and another being a new device. Data transmission then occurs through the devices to their destination, each machine acting as a hub with only two ports. There are benefits to this type of network; if one device, or node, fails then an administrator can pass data through another node maintaining the integrity of the network. However, ring networks are difficult to install and require more specialized components, thus leading to increased costs. The picture below explains the concept of a ring network best.

This is a brief and comprehensive overview of three of several different types of network topologies. As you can see, each topology has their own benefits and negatives – each type of network is dependent on the client’s needs.