Student
Homework 2
Network Topologies
PRACTICE Activity 2: Network Topology Paper
A hierarchical network resembles a star network in that several computers are connected to a central host computer. However, these "client" computers also serve as host computers to next level units. Thus, the hierarchical network can theoretically be compared to a standard organizational chart or a large corporation. Typically, the host computer at the top of the hierarchy is a mainframe computer. Lower levels in the hierarchy could consist of minicomputers and microcomputers. It should be noted that a system can sometimes have characteristics of more than one of the above topologies.
This topology is effective in a centralized corporation. For example, different divisions within a corporation may have individual microcomputers connected to divisional minicomputers. The minicomputers in turn may be connected to the corporation's mainframe, which contains data and program
Bus networks use a common backbone to connect all devices. A single cable, the backbone functions as a shared communication medium that devices attach or tap into with an interface connector. A device wanting to communicate with another device on the network sends a broadcast message onto the wire that all other devices see, but only the intended recipient actually accepts and processes the message.
Ethernet bus topologies are relatively easy to install and don't require much cabling compared to the alternatives. 10Base-2 and 10Base-5 both were popular Ethernet cabling options many years ago for bus topologies. However, bus networks work best with a limited number of devices. If more than a few dozen computers are added to a network bus, performance problems will likely result. In addition, if the backbone cable fails, the entire network effectively becomes unusable.
In a ring network, every device has exactly two neighbors for communication purposes. All messages travel through a ring in the same direction
Network Topologies
PRACTICE Activity 2: Network Topology Paper
A hierarchical network resembles a star network in that several computers are connected to a central host computer. However, these "client" computers also serve as host computers to next level units. Thus, the hierarchical network can theoretically be compared to a standard organizational chart or a large corporation. Typically, the host computer at the top of the hierarchy is a mainframe computer. Lower levels in the hierarchy could consist of minicomputers and microcomputers. It should be noted that a system can sometimes have characteristics of more than one of the above topologies.
This topology is effective in a centralized corporation. For example, different divisions within a corporation may have individual microcomputers connected to divisional minicomputers. The minicomputers in turn may be connected to the corporation's mainframe, which contains data and program
Bus networks use a common backbone to connect all devices. A single cable, the backbone functions as a shared communication medium that devices attach or tap into with an interface connector. A device wanting to communicate with another device on the network sends a broadcast message onto the wire that all other devices see, but only the intended recipient actually accepts and processes the message.
Ethernet bus topologies are relatively easy to install and don't require much cabling compared to the alternatives. 10Base-2 and 10Base-5 both were popular Ethernet cabling options many years ago for bus topologies. However, bus networks work best with a limited number of devices. If more than a few dozen computers are added to a network bus, performance problems will likely result. In addition, if the backbone cable fails, the entire network effectively becomes unusable.
In a ring network, every device has exactly two neighbors for communication purposes. All messages travel through a ring in the same direction