Network Topology

Network based on the Architecture:

The architecture of a network defines how computer's hardware and software are organized and structured.

Networks can be classified as, 

1. Client-Server Network

2. Peer-to-Peer Network

Client-Server Network:

• In a client-server network, there is a centralised powerful computer called the server Which is does all the processing.
• All the network PCs or nodes in the network, known as clients, are connected to the server.
• The server machine controls the network.
• These networks are expensive to set up.

(Client-Server Network)

Peer-to-Peer Network:

• In a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network, there is no server machine.
• Instead, there is a direct connection between the nodes.
• This architecture is better for smaller networks and is inexpensive to set up and maintain.

(Peer-to-Peer Network)

Network Based in the Network Topology:

• The arrangement of computers in a network is called Topology.
• Computer networks may be classified according to the arrangement of the nodes in a network.

The following topologies are used in Computer network.

 ie.. star, ring, bus , mesh or tree.

Star Topology:

• In start topology, all the computers are connected by cables to a central device, the server.
• The server controls all the functions of the network.
• Computers communicate via the server.
• This topology is easy to install but if the server fails, the network is disabled.
• The server uses a device, such as a switch or hub, to connect all the computers in the network.

(Star Topology)

Ring Topology:

• In ring Topology, all the computers are connected to each other in a closed circle.
• There is no central server machine.
• Instead, every machine is connected with other two machines.
• This network is also easy to install, but a failure in any cable or nodes can disrupt the entire network.

(Ring Topology)

Bus Topology:

• In bus topology, a single cable, called the backbone or bus, carries all the data.
• All the computers, printers and other peripherals being shared are connected to the bus.
• This topology us normally used for small networks.
• The usage of cabling is less but the entire network is dependent on the bus backbone.

(Bus Topology)

Mesh Topology:

• In mesh topology, every node on the network is connected to all the other nodes of the network which makes the network very stable. However, the amount of cabling required is very large.

(Mesh Topology)

Tree Topology :

• Tree topology combines the characteristics of bus and star networks. Star-topology networks are formed which are connected to a bus-backbone cable. This network is difficult to set up.

(Tree Topology)

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