What is network topology? Best guide to types and network topology

Network topology

 

The configuration, or topology, of a network is key to determining its performance. Network topology is the way a network is arranged, including the physical or logical description of how links and nodes are set up to relate to each other.

There are numerous ways a network can be arranged, all with different pros and cons, and some are more useful in certain circumstances than others. Admins have a range of options when it comes to choosing a network topology and this decision must account for the size and scale of their business, its goals, and budget. Several tasks go into effective network topology management, visual mapping, and general performance monitoring. The key is to understand your objectives and requirements to create and manage the network topology in the right way for your business.

Following an in depth network topology definition, this article will look at the main types of network topologies, their benefits and drewbacks, and consideration for your business. I also discuss the use and benefits of network topology mapping software like solarwinds network topology mapper in configuring your network, visualising the way device connect, and troubleshooting network issues.

• What is network topology?

Network topology refers to how various nodes, devices, and connections on your network are physically or logically arranged in relation to each other. Think of your network as a city, and the topology as the road map. Just as there are many ways to arrange and maintain a city—such as making sure the avenues and boulevards can facilitate passage between the parts of town getting the most traffic—there are several ways to arrange a network. Each has advantages and disadvantages and depending on the needs of your company, certain arrangements can give you a greater degree of connectivity and security.

• What’s the Most Common Type of Network Topology?

Building a local area network (LAN) topology can be make-or-break for your business, as you want to set up a resilient, secure, and easy-to-maintain topology. There are several different types of network topology and all are suitable for different purposes, depending on the overall network size and your objectives.

Network topology diagram

Network topology examples

Topologies are following type

Bus topology

In this type of topology all the computer isconnected with a straight cable. Sand data from one computer to another computer, at that time it receive the entire computer available betweensource to destination. In this we connected 20 to 25 computers very easy to manage but it is very slow.

Ring topology

In this topology first computer is connect to last computer another computer it is flow clock wise, if one computer is break down/shut down then all the network is collapse

Star topology

This is very easy type of topology, in this all computers are connected to the 

centralize device is called hub or switch. When we send data from one computer to 

another then first come to the switch or hub and transfersthe destination. It is easy for

troubleshoot and manage.

Mesh topology

In this topology all computers are connected to each other with the help of 

separate cable, because of this it work very fast but it is very expensive and very 

difficult for troubleshoot. It is very complicated task to add a new workstation.

Hybrid topology

It is a combination of Bus, Ring, Star, Mesh.