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Network Topology, its importance in network management, and the various types of network topology present
Image source – freepik.com
According to the latest research, the United States ranks third among the largest online markets in the world, with over 313 million active internet users worldwide.
However, with this exponential increase in internet penetration rate, there is also an increase in local networks, which demand proper structuring and management.
I think it's safe to say that while everybody enjoys using technology, nobody likes slow networks, which are mismanaged.
Along with many other factors, network topology plays a pivotal role in the performance of networks. Want to know how?
Read the article to find out!
Table of Contents
Network topology is the structural arrangement of various nodes, devices, and connections in a network.
The network components are displayed as nodes in network topology, whereas the connections are shown as lines to build a graphical model.
In simple words, the network topology is referred to how a network is arranged and how the different components of a network are connected.
The two main approaches to network topology are described below:
As the name implies, a physical network topology depicts the actual physical connections of the network components arranged in a network.
Network setup, management, and monitoring tasks require information about the physical arrangement of the network.
As the name implies, a logical network topology is a conceptual representation of the functioning of a network, which includes:
Choosing the best network topology is important for various reasons. Some of them are listed below:
This is the simplest type of network topology and is used to connect two network nodes directly via a common link. Hence, the whole network bandwidth is reserved for data transmission among only these two nodes.
However, the transmission of data in a point-to-point topology could be done in various ways across a network. Three such methods are described below:
A walkie-talkie, which doesn't allow the user to speak and hear simultaneously, is a good example of such a communication channel.
Examples of such communication channels include telephones and mobile phones, which allow users to speak and hear simultaneously.
Image source - itjones.com
The table below shows some pros and cons of Point-to-Point Topology:
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Verdict: It is a simple to use network topology but is only suitable for small areas where nodes are closely located.
Daisy Chain Network Topology is also one of the simplest network topologies, allowing the addition of more network nodes.
In such networks, the network nodes are connected end-to-end, allowing the transmission of signals from one node to another without the interference of other devices.
These networks can be of two types mentioned below:
In a linear daisy chain topology, one network node is connected to the other by using a two-way wire connection between them. Thus, each node bounces the signal along a straight line until it reaches the destination.
Image source - itjones.com
The table below shows some pros and cons of Linear Daisy Chain Topology:
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Ring topology, as the name implies, is the arrangement of network nodes in a closed loop. Thus, each network node has two peers allowing data transmission in only one direction from one network station at a time.
However, bidirectional data transmission can be made possible by adding a second connection between the network nodes creating a dual ring topology.
Image source – stock.adobe.com
The table below shows some pros and cons of Ring Topology:
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Verdict: The Ring Topology is a cost-effective option for efficient data transmission but unsuitable for larger networks. Each additional component causes the entire network to slow down.
Bus Topology is called so because, in this type of network, all the network nodes are connected to a single cable, called a bus, which runs from one end to another.
This topology is also referred to as "line topology" or "backbone topology" sometimes since the bus acts as a backbone of the network that joins all the network nodes.
A signal sent in such type of network, containing the address and data travels to all nodes until it reaches the destination node, which accepts the data. All the other nodes reject the data portion of the signal if it doesn't match the address.
Image source – adobe.com
The table below shows some pros and cons of Bus Topology:
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Verdict: Bus topology is only suitable for small businesses but is not recommended over other network topologies in the list because of unidirectional flow and backbone dependency.
Star Topology is a topology in which every network node is connected to one central hub or switch through coaxial, twisted-pair, or fiber-optic cable. Hence, the central hub functions as the server, and all the network traffic passes through it.
It is the most commonly used network topology for LAN as it is easier to manage from only one location, i.e., central hub.
Image source – adobe.com
The table below shows some pros and cons of Star Topology:
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Verdict: Star topologies have a lot of benefits regarding management and reliability, but they are way too expensive to set up and operate.
It is a relatively complex topology with a point-to-point connection, and the network nodes are interconnected directly and dynamically.
This non-hierarchical structure can be classified into two types described below:
Mesh topology allows data transmission via two different methods listed below:
Image source – adobe.com
The table below shows some pros and cons of Mesh Topology:
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Verdict: Mesh topologies are suitable for high-value networks for small to medium networks but require a lot of time and money to set up and operate.
Hybrid topology, as the name implies, is a combination of two or more standard network topologies. Hence, the advantages and disadvantages of a hybrid topology depend on the types of common topologies combined.
Such network topologies are mostly found in larger organizations so that each department can have a different network topology according to its requirements within the same organization.
Image source – adobe.com
The table below shows some pros and cons of Hybrid Topology:
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Verdict: Hybrid topologies are suitable for middle-sized and larger organizations, but they require proper management and can be very expensive compared to other options in this list.
This topology is the most common example of the hybrid network topology formed by combining a bus topology and a star topology.
Tree topology is named so because, in this type of network, the bus resembles the trunk of a tree, whereas the peripheral nodes resemble leaves.
Image source – adobe.com
The table below shows some pros and cons of Tree Topology:
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Verdict: Tree topology has a lot of benefits and can be used in larger networks. However, the central bus dependency is a major drawback especially considering the huge cost of this topology.
Choosing the best network topology for your business network changes your network management game altogether. However, this choice must be made carefully.
Some of the parameters you must keep in mind while choosing a network topology include the size of the network, configuration management, monitoring, and general performance.
Hence, one type of network topology cannot be best for all cases as every topology has its pros and cons. Professional help is also recommended if you're not sure about picking the best network topology for your network.
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