Network_Topology

Topology?

Topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of devices connected in a network.

Physical topology: It refers to the actual layout of buildings and the physical placement of devices.

→ This includes where servers, switches, firewalls, and printers are physically located.

 

Logical topology: It refers to the way data flows through the network

 

 

Wired Topologies:

Bus Topology: All devices are connected to a single coaxial cable

→ If one device fails, it can potentially bring down the entire network.

 

Ring Topology: All devices are connected in a circular manner.

→ Data travels in one direction, and if the network is interrupted, data transmission fails.

 

Star Topology: All devices are connected to a central switch.

→ This is the topology most commonly used in modern networks. If the central switch fails, it needs to be replaced.

 

Mesh Topology: Every device in the network is connected to every other device.

→ Installation costs are high, so important devices are often designed using a partial mesh topology.

→ Data can be transmitted through multiple paths.

 

Wireless Topologies:

Ad hoc Topology: There is no central connecting device, and devices are connected in a peer-to-peer manner.

 

Infrastructure Topology: A wireless network topology where there is a central connecting device.

 

Mesh Topology: One network device is connected via wired connection,

                            while the other network devices are connected wirelessly.

→ This creates a strong wireless network.

 

 

I discovered that it's possible to create a hybrid topology by combining star topology and partial mesh topology 

using the Cisco Packet Tracer program.