What Is Network Topology?

A solid understanding of network topology is what gets the job done in network engineering. As a network engineer, I specialize in how networks are set up and connected. 

If I had to explain network topology in the simplest of terms, I’d say it is just a myriad of network layouts that facilitate connection to other devices and components. If you are just starting out with this as your career choice, trust me when I tell you that your knowledge in network topology will take you miles ahead in this field. 

What is Network Topology?

Network Topology describes the network arrangement that interconnects the various components and end points so that an organization can easily interact with one another. According to me, only a well-mapped network topology enhances data flow as well as traffic flow within the network topology.

What Are the Different Types of Topology?

In my career, learning the basics of computer network topology sure came in handy. I have come across various network topology types which are widely used by different organizations around the globe.

I will patiently assist you in learning about various network topology types with diagrams in detail:

Point-to-Point Topology

The first and simplest network topology is the point-to-point network topology. In this arrangement, the two endpoints are directly interconnected with each other for rapid communication and high bandwidth. This connection between two endpoints is made with the assistance of any cable or wire.

Advantages of Point Topology

• Provides the highest speed between two nodes when compared with the other different network topology.
• As this topology only has two nodes therefore the bandwidth is extremely high.
• Effortless maintenance.
• Implementation of a point-to-point topology is simpler than other network topology.
• Simple to handle.

Disadvantages of Point Topology

• Point-to-point topology is not suitable for large spaces as the nodes are connected, so it is suitable to use in a smaller space where the endpoints are closer to one another.
• Is not suitable if there are more than two endpoints or nodes thus this reduces the scope of usage.
• It has a high dependency on the common link. The entire network topology will go down if the common link collapses.

Mesh Topology

Mesh network topology is the second kind of network topology, where all the endpoints are interconnected to each other. In a mesh network, there are two kinds of methods through which data is transferred. One is the routing method and the other one is the flooding method. 

• In the routing method, the shortest distance between the source node and the final node is determined with the help of logic. 

• Whereas, in the flooding method, every node receives the information without any intervention of routing logic.

Advantages of Mesh Topology

• Mesh topology is stable. 
• Implementation of mesh topology is simple.
• Provides top-notch security as well as privacy.
• Transferring data is extremely efficient and rapid as all the nodes are linked with each other.
• A single faulty node can not bring down the entire network arrangement.

Disadvantages of Mesh Topology

• The mesh network is cost-intensive as well as labor-intensive.
• Requires a huge amount of time for installation.
• Requires a lot of time and capital to maintain such a huge network setup.
• A huge amount of cables and wires are required to create the mesh network setup.

Star Topology

Start network topology is the next network topology. This is one of the most used network topologies. In this arrangement, there is a central device that is interlinked with every node and device through a communication cable.

In this setup, the information from one endpoint to the other endpoint has to pass through the central device before reaching the final node. This procedure of data transfer has restrained unwanted data loss. A central device can either be active or passive in nature. 

A star network topology example is not quite difficult to state as it is the most widely used network topology. It is used in institutions like schools, banks, hospitals, airports, etc.

Advantages of Star Topology

• Star topology is a stable and secure network topology.
• Fast data transmission among the nodes.
• If a node stops working then the entire network will not shut down because each node works independently.
• Installing a new device in an existing star network topology is quite simple and easy.
• Extremely maintainable and manageable.

Disadvantages of Star Topology

• Failure of one node does not affect the entire topology. However, in such a situation all the work has to stop as the network is interlinked.
• Is not cost-effective.
• A lot of cables and wires are required.

Bus Topology

If you look at a bus network topology diagram, you will see the arrangements are made in a single direction where all the devices are linked with the help of a single cable. Here the data flows in a particular direction. 

The data has a particular IP address attached to it while it is transferring through the bus topology. When the IP address gets matched with a node then data will be used otherwise it will get transferred to the next node. A perfect bus network topology example is an Ethernet LAN. 

Advantages of Bus Topology

• Installation of  a new device and removal of an existing device can be easily executed.
• Non-performance of an existing device does not affect the entire network topology.
• The requirement of cables and wires is lesser in comparison with other network topology.

Disadvantages of Bus Topology

• Detection of device failure or any other error is quite difficult in bus topology.
• Data loss is one of the major set-back of bus topology.
• Transmission of data is quite slow.

Ring Topology

A ring network topology gets its name from its shape as it is arranged in a circular form. Each node interlinkes the immediate neighboring devices that eventually form a ring. The data transmits in a circular direction, it can either be in a unidirectional way or in a bidirectional way.

The most popular ring network topology example would be the local area networks (LANs) because they operate in a smaller space (school or home).

Advantages of Ring Topology

• Can reduce packet collision as the data travels in a circular motion.
• Data transmits at a very high speed in a unidirectional ring network topology.
• Chances of data loss are reduced in a ring network topology.
• Can hold many nodes and traffic.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology

• If a single node of a ring topology stops working then the entire network will stop working.
• It is extremely difficult to add or remove any existing node or device from a ring topology network as it disrupts the entire network.

Tree Topology

The name itself denotes that a tree network has a resemblance to trees. Just like a tree, this topology has branches, trunks, as well as leaves. Here the backbone connection of the topology has been referred to as a trunk that is connected to branches or the mid-level node, lastly, which is connected with the leaves or the end-points.

A tree network topology is also referred to as hierarchical network topology. It is used in a larger space where there are more computer devices like an office, a bank, a hospital, etc.

Advantages of Tree Topology

• If one node becomes faulty that does not have any impact on the entire tree topology network.
• The scalability of a tree topology is easier than many other topologies as devices and nodes can be replaced or added without any hassle.
• High transfer of data.

Disadvantages of Tree Topology

• Extremely tedious to maintain.
• A lot of cables and wires are required.
• Failure of the trunk i.e. the backbone device will crumble down the entire network topology.

Hybrid Topology

As the name suggests, a hybrid network topology is an amalgamation of two or more various kinds of topologies. This type of topology is used in larger spaces where there are numerous devices and requirements. 

Advantages of Hybrid Topology

• Hybrid topologies are quite flexible as the arrangements are easily adjustable according to the requirements of a company.
• New devices or old nodes can be easily added or replaced  without hampering the entire network arrangement.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology

• Implementation and maintenance of a hybrid network topology is cost-intensive.
• It is quite tedious to create and build the arrangement as numerous topologies are involved.

How to Select the Best  Network Topology for You

Here are some factors you must consider while implementing a network topology:

• Cost

The cost of installation of a complicated network topology is high and might not fit in your budget. Hence, you need to determine if you want a topology for a smaller space or a larger space. For smaller spaces, a simple network topology can be budget-friendly. 

• Scalability

The next factor that you should consider is scalability. If you want to expand your business then you must opt for a scalable topology like start topology that can be easily modified.  

• Reliability

Not every network topology will be reliable according to your requirements. So if you want to set up a network at a school then bus topology is suitable. For banks or  hospitals, a mesh topology is more suitable. 

In Summary

Understanding different network topology setups is crucial for managing computer networks well. Each type, like star, mesh, or hybrid, comes with its own set of pros and cons that you need to consider.

With technology changing fast and the need for skilled networking pros growing, it's important to keep learning. Relevant online programs like the ones upGrad offers can help. They're designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to do well in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is a topology diagram?

A network topology diagram is a diagram that shows the arrangement of a particular topology i.e. the interconnection of the devices, nodes, and wires with each other.

2. What are network topologies with examples?

Network topologies are the arrangements of a network that interlink all the computer devices, endpoints, wires, and routers together. Bus network topology and star network topology are a few examples of network topologies.

3. Why is network topology important?

Network topology is important as it eases the work of a network admin by detecting all the faults and errors in a network.

4. What are the emerging trends in network topology design?

Flexible network topology design is one of the emerging trends in this sector. A flexible design will provide broad coverage and high performance.

5. What role does artificial intelligence (AI) play in optimizing network topology?

Various artificial intelligence (AI) methods are used to optimize network topology. Neutral networks are an AI method that is used to enhance the framework for optimizing.

6. Which topology is best?

Star network topology is considered to be the best network topology that is used by most ventures. This is because it is user-friendly, manageable, as well as reliable. 

7. Which topology is easy?

Point-to-point network topology is the easiest topology because the network is directly linked to the computer devices.

8. Which topology is used in IoT?

IoT can be made up of numerous network topologies according to the device connection and communication. The crucial topologies used in IoT are bus, ring, tree, hybrid, star, and mesh topologies.

9. Which topology is commonly used?

The most commonly used topology among various ventures is the star topology as it is user-friendly as well as manageable.

10. Which topology uses the most cable?

Mesh network topology uses the most cables and may become complicated due to this.