NetworkTopology.docVIP

Network Topology Network topology are the physical layout of the network that the locations of the computers and how the cable is run between them. It is important to use the right topology. Each topology has its own strengths and weakness. Bus topology?A bus topology connects computers along a single or more cable to connect linearly as figure 1. A network that uses a bus topology is referred to as a bus network which was the original form of Ethernet networks. Ethernet 10Base2 (also known as thinnet) is used for bus topology.? Bus topology is the cheapest way of connecting computers to form a workgroup or departmental LAN, but it has the disadvantage that a single loose connection or cable break can bring down the entire LAN Termination is important issue in bus networks. The electrical signal from a transmitting computer is free to travel the entire length of the cable. Without the termination, when the signal reaches the end of the wire, it bounces back and travels back up the wire. When a signal echoes back and forth along an unterminated bus, it is called ringing. The terminators absorb the electrical energy and stop the reflections. Advantages of the bus are following.?Bus is easy to use and understand and inexpensive simple network?It is easy to extend a network by adding cable with a repeater that boosts the signal and allows it to travel a longer distance. Disadvantages are following.?A bus topology becomes slow by heavy network traffic with a lot of computer because networks do not coordinate with each other to reserve times to transmit.?It is difficult to troubleshoot a bus because a cable break or loose connector will cause reflections and bring down the whole network. Star topology?A star topology links the computers by individual cables to a central unit, usually a hub as in figure 2. When a computer or other networking component transmits a signal to the network, the signal travels to the hub. Then, the hub forwards the signal simultaneously t