TOPOLOGY
Advantages and Disadvantages
Star Formation
-when you use it, no hacks can be made because it always passes through the server.
-better performance.
-easy to detect faults.
-no disruptions to network when adding or removing devices.
Disadvantages:
-it is very depending on the centre hub.
-if the server is slow, it will cause the entire network to be slow.
Ring Formation
-can send data through different computers.
-its faster and everything passes by the server.
-cheapest to set up because the computers are all close to each other.
-very orderly network.
Disadvantages:
-moving, adding or changing devices can affect the network.
-more difficult to set up than the Star Formation.
Mesh Formation
-even if one component fails, there is always a backup.
-expansion and modification in topology can be done without disrupting other nodes.
Disadvantages:
-overall cost of this network is way too high as compared to other network topologies.
-set-up and maintenance of this topology is very difficult.
Bus Formation
-easy to connect a computer.
-requires less cable length than Star Topology.
-it works well for small networks.
Disadvantages:
-entire network shuts down if there is a problem with the main cable.
-difficult to find the problem if the entire network shuts down.
-it is slow when more devices are added to the network.
Tree Formation
-expansion of Network is possible and easy.
-error detection and correction is easy.
-if one segment is damaged, other segments are not affected.
Disadvantages:
-as more and more nodes and segments are added, the maintenance becomes difficult.
-because of its basic structure, tree topology, relies heavily on the main bus cable, if it breaks whole network is crippled.