Networking
Topologies & Networking Components & LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN
Topologies
BUS Network
In a bus network all the workstations, servers and printers are joined to one cable (the bus). At each end of the cable a terminator is fitted to stop signals reflecting back down the bus.
Advantages
- Easy to install
- Cheap to install, as it doesn’t require much cable
Disadvantages
- If the main cable fails or gets damaged the whole network will fail
- As more workstations are connected the performance of the network will become slower because of data collisions
- Every workstation on the network "sees" all of the data on the network – this is a security risk
Ring Network
In a ring network each device (workstation, server, printer) is connected to two other devices, this forms a ring for the signals to travel around. Each packet of data on the network travels in one direction and each device receives each packet in turn until the destination device receives it.
Advantages
- This type of network can transfer data quickly, even if there are a large number of devices connected because the data only flows in one direction, so there won’t be any data collisions.
Disadvantages
If the main cable fails or any device is faulty then the whole network will fail.
Star Network
In a star network each device on the network has its own cable that connects to a switch or hub. A hub sends every packet of data to every device, whereas a switch only sends a packet of data to the destination device.
Advantages
- Very reliable – if one cable or device fails then all the others will continue to work
- High performing as no data collisions can occur
Disadvantages
Expensive to install as this type of network uses the most cable (network cable is expensive)
Extra hardware required (hubs or switches) which adds to cost
If a hub or switch fails all the devices connected to it will have no network connection
Networking Components
Switch
A network switch is a small hardware device that joins multiple computers together within one local area network (LAN).