Computer Network Basics Questions Medium
Network topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of devices, nodes, and connections in a computer network. It defines how the various devices in a network are interconnected and how data flows between them. Network topology can be categorized into different types, including bus, star, ring, mesh, and tree topologies.
- Bus Topology: In a bus topology, all devices are connected to a single communication line, known as a bus. Data is transmitted along the bus, and each device receives the data and checks if it is intended for them. This topology is simple and cost-effective but can suffer from performance issues if multiple devices try to transmit data simultaneously.
- Star Topology: In a star topology, all devices are connected to a central device, such as a switch or hub. Data is transmitted from one device to the central device, which then forwards it to the intended recipient. This topology provides better performance and fault tolerance compared to bus topology, as the failure of one device does not affect the entire network.
- Ring Topology: In a ring topology, devices are connected in a circular manner, forming a closed loop. Each device receives data from the previous device and forwards it to the next device until it reaches the intended recipient. This topology provides equal access to all devices and can be easily expanded, but the failure of a single device can disrupt the entire network.
- Mesh Topology: In a mesh topology, each device is connected to every other device in the network. This provides multiple paths for data transmission, increasing reliability and fault tolerance. Mesh topology can be categorized into full mesh, where every device is directly connected to every other device, and partial mesh, where only some devices have direct connections.
- Tree Topology: In a tree topology, devices are arranged in a hierarchical structure, similar to a tree. A central device, such as a root node, connects to multiple secondary devices, which in turn connect to more devices. This topology allows for easy expansion and provides better performance and fault tolerance compared to bus or ring topologies.
Overall, network topology plays a crucial role in determining the efficiency, scalability, and reliability of a computer network. The choice of topology depends on factors such as the network size, cost, performance requirements, and the level of fault tolerance desired.