NETWORKS
NETWORK TOPOLOGIES
The bus network
The bus network was the first of the topologies made. For all of the topologies there are advantages and disadvantages. Such as:
AVANTAGES:
- Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus
- Requires less cable length than a star topology resulting in lower costs
- It works well for small networks
DISADVANTAGES:
- Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable
- Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down
- Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable
- Not meant to be used as a stand-alone solution in a large building
- Network slowness increases when more devices are added into the network
THE RING NETWORK
The ring network is similar to the bus network but it is much more efficient. As well as the bus network, it has many good points and some bad as well. Such as:
ADVANTAGES:
- This type of network topology is very organized. Each node gets to send the data when it receives an empty token. This helps to reduces chances of collision. Also in ring topology all the traffic flows in only one direction at very high speed.
- Even when the load on the network increases, its performance is better than that of Bus topology
- Each computer has equal access to resources.
- Does not require a central node to manage the connectivity between the computers
DISADVANTAGES:
- One malfunction, in one of the wires, will cause the whole system to crash.
- Bandwidth is shared on all links between devices
- Moving, adding and changing the devices can affect the network
- Communication delay is directly proportional to number of nodes in the network
THE STAR NETWORK
The star network is the last network. In my opinion, this is the most practical of the networks. This is because if one cable breaks, the others are still able to function.
There are lots if advantages and some disadvantages. Such as:
ADVANTAGES:
- As compared to Bus topology it gives far much better performance, signals don’t necessarily get transmitted to all the workstations. A sent signal reaches the intended destination after passing through no more than 3-4 devices and 2-3 links. Performance of the network is dependent on the capacity of central hub.
- It's simple form make it easy and simple
- Easy to connect new nodes or devices. In star topology new nodes can be added easily without affecting rest of the network. Similarly components can also be removed easily.
- Centralized management. It helps in monitoring the network
DISADVANTAGES:
- Too much dependency on central device has its own drawbacks. If it fails whole network goes down.
- The use of hub, a router or a switch as central device increases the overall cost of the network.
- Performance and as well number of nodes which can be added in such topology is depended on capacity of central device.