Types of Network Topologies

Network Topology refers to the layout or structure of the network in relation with the flow of data.

Linear Bus Topology

Linear Bus Topology uses one long cable referred to as a backbone to which computers and other devices are attached a terminator is placed at each end of the backbone to keep the signals from bouncing back and being received again by the nodes in the network.

Star Topology

 

Star Topology uses a central device called a hub with cables extending in all directions. Each networked device is connected directly to the hub. Data from a computer pass through the hub or switch before it can reach the other target node.

Ring Topology

Ring Topology is a network configuration in which device connections create a circular data path. Each networked device is connected to two others, like points on a circle. Together, devices in a ring topology are referred to as a ring network. In a ring network, packets of data travel from one device to the next until they reach their destination. Most ring topologies allow packets to travel only in one direction, called a unidirectional ring network. Others permit data to move in either direction, called bidirectional.

Mesh Topology 

Mesh Topology is a network setup where each computer and network device is interconnected with one another, allowing for most transmissions to be distributed, even if one of the connections go down. It is a topology commonly used for wireless networks. Below is a visual example of a simple computer setup on a network using a mesh topology. Mesh networks operate in two ways: by either routing the data or flooding the data. When you’re routing a message in a mesh network, it propagates along a predefined path, hopping from node to node until it reaches its destination. In order to establish these routes and ensure that the paths are available, the network needs to be continuously connected and configuring itself. In other words, it has to constantly work to find broken paths and create self-healing algorithms to build route tables. Because there’s a lot of layer two (MAC) traffic flowing on the network to establish this route, mesh networks can be less efficient than star networks (which we’ll cover in a moment).

Hybrid Topology

A hybrid topology is a type of network topology that uses two or more differing network topologies. These topologies include a mix of bus topology,mesh topology, ring topology, star topology, andtree topology.

https://www.link-labs.com/blog/what-is-mesh-topology

https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/m/mesh.htm

https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/r/ringtopo.htm

https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/h/hybrtopo.htm