Network Topologies
Bus Topology
Features Advantages Disadvantages
It uses a single length of cable
Device connect directly to the cable The cable must be terminated at both end |
It is inexpensive and easy to implement. It cannot be expand easily.
It does not require special equipment. A break in the cable renders the entire segment unusable. It requires less cable than other topologies. It is difficult to troubleshoot. |
Star Topology
Features Advantages Disadvantages
Devices connect to a central points.
Each system uses an individual cable to attach. Multiple stars can be combined to create a hierarchical star. |
It can be easily expanded w/o disruption. It requires additional networking to existing systems equipment
A Cable failure affects only a single system. It requires considerably more cable than other topologies, such as the other linear bus. It is easy to troubleshoot. Centralized devices create asingle point of failure. |
Ring Topologies
Features Advantages Disadvantages
Devices are connected in a close loop or ring
Dual-ring configuration can be used for fault tolerance. |
It is easy to troubleshoot. A cable break can disrupt the entire network.
Can be implemented in a fault tolerance Network expansion creates network configuration. disruption. |
Mesh Topology
Features Advantages Disadvantages
A true mesh uses point-to-point connectivity between all devices.
A hybrid mesh uses point-to-point connectivity between certain devices, but not all of them. |
Multiple links provide fault tolerance and It is difficult to implement redundancy.
The network can be expanded with minimal or It can be expensive because it no disruption. requires specialized hardware and cable. |