Network

Network Topology and Architecture

The purpose of the paper is to explain the terminology associated with network topology and network architecture. I will explain the difference between, mesh, bus, ring and star topology; as well as Ethernet, token ring and FIDDI, and wireless, including advantages and disadvantages. Network topology connects pairs of nodes of a network using patterns of links.
Mesh Topology
Mesh topology connects each device in a network to every other device in the network.
Some advantages of a mesh topology are that it can work over a long distance, it is reliable, and it provides redundancy and it one device fails the backup device can take over the loss data. Disadvantages of mesh are that is complicate and expensive.
Bus Topology
A bus topology connects a workstation along an open cable or backbone. It is usually connected by an Ethernet cable.   Advantages that are listed are that installation and administration is low cost, it is easier to configure and easier to expand on and connect to. Disadvantages that are listed include, limitations, difficulty troubleshooting, if a problem occurs on the backbone the entire network would go down.
Ring Topology
A ring topology is when two or more nodes are connected to a workstation to create a ring. Data is sent around the loop in one direction. Advantages of a ring topology includes equal access to all workstations, each node on the ring acts as a repeater, and usage of coaxial cables that creates the ring allows the service to be much faster. Disadvantages includes difficulty troubleshooting, if one connection fails it is hard to determine where the problem, reconfiguring of a ring topology will shut down the network. Ring topology is often the most expensive within topology.

Star Topology
In a star topology all devices are connected to a central hub. A star topology is wired as a star but handles network traffic as a ring. Advantages and disadvantages of a star topology... [continues]

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