Network Topologies
Bus Network
Advantages.
Easy to install.
It is cheap to install as not much cable is required.
Disadvantages.
If more workstations are added, then the network will slow down.
If the main cable fails or gets damaged then the whole system will fail.
The bus Network is good as multiple workstations can connect to it at one time.
It is bad because the more workstations that connect at one time, the slower it goes.
In a Bus Network, all the workstations, servers and printers are joined by one cable. at each end of a cable a terminator is fitted to stop signals reflecting back down the bus.
Ring Network
Advantages.
This type of Network can transfer data quickly, even if there are a large amount of workstations connected because the data only travels in one direction, so there won't be any collisions.
Disadvantage.
If the main cable fails or any network fails the whole network will fail.
In a ring network each device 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
Star Network
The Star Network is very reliable as if one cable or device fails, the rest can still work.
It is high performing as there will be no data collisions.
Disadvantages.
Expensive to install as a lot of cable is required to set up.
Extra hardware is required which adds to the cost.
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.