Network Topology
BUS TOPOLOGY
The bus (sometimes known as the backbone) topology arranges all computers, printer, and server in a straight line. Each device connects and transmits through one main coaxial cable made from
insulated copper wire. Through this cable, data is transmitted from the source device attached to the cable to a destination device which is also attached to the cable.
There are a couple of disadvantages in using the bus topology. One disadvantage is that if the main cable malfunctions, the entire network goes down which results in the difficult, time-consuming task of locating the source of the malfunction and repairing the problem. A second disadvantage is congestion of data during transmission better known as “bottlenecking”.
In spite of the disadvantages of implementing a bus topology, there are advantages to the bus configuration. The fact of being relatively inexpensive and the simplicity of adding new devices are the main reasons that a bus topology is the most widely used topology configuration in the business environment.
RING TOPOLOGY
The ring topology arranges all computers, printers and server in a typical circle. Each device connects to two other devices in the network, either a computer, printer, or server. A ring
configuration allows direct data transmission from one service on the ring to its neighboring devices.
There are some disadvantages to implementing a ring topology which include the fact that this type of configuration is rather expensive, and usually quite difficult to install.
The advantage of using a ring topology is that if a device fails, a network administrator or specialized network hardware can proceed to re-route all the data to other devices within the ring, bypassing the failed device, without interruption.
STAR TOPOLOGY
The star topology arranges all computers, printers, and server in a star configuration. Data transmission from one device to another is completed through the use of a specialized device known
as a hub. The purpose of the hub is to route data from a source device, through the hub, and on to the desired destination device.
The main disadvantage of the use of the star topology is that if the hub malfunctions, the entire network is down. While this may seem like a major disadvantage, malfunctions do not pose much of a problem. Finding the source of the malfunction is performed easier and more rapidly than when using the Bus or Ring configurations. The hub can also bottleneck during transmission of data between devices.
There are advantages to using the star configuration which include the ease of the star topology installation and updating process because of all devices being directly connected to the hub. In the star configuration the direct connection to the hub allows for easy reconfiguration of the hub when installing new devices; therefore, the results are no need for additional wiring.
