Understanding Computer Network Topology

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The definition of network topology is a technique used to connect one computer to another computer that is arranged into a network, where the use of network topology is related to the speed of data access, size, cost and level of connectivity which can affect the efficiency of the network.

Network topology can also be interpreted as a computer network design that is formed and explains how computers can interconnect between one device and another. There are types of computer network topologies that are often used today such as Bus Topology, Ring Topology, Star Topology, Tree Topology, and Mesh Topology. For more information, please refer to the discussion that has been summarized from various sources.

And the following are the kinds of computer network topologies that I will explain in this article, namely:

a. BUS topology

b. Star Topology

c. Ring Topology

d. Mesh Topology

e. Tree Topology

1. Bus Topology

This topology is a topology that was first used to connect computers. in this topology each computer will be connected to a long cable with several terminals, and at the end of the cable must end with one terminator. This topology is very rarely used in building ordinary computer networks because it has several shortcomings including the possibility of a data flow collision, if one device breaks or there is damage to one part of the computer, the direct network will not function before the damage is resolved.

BUS Topology Characteristics:

The nodes are connected serially along the cable, and at both ends of the cable are closed with terminators.
Very simple in installation.
Very economical in cost.
Data packets intersect on a cable.
No hub is required, all that is needed is a Tconnector on each ethernet card.
The problem that often occurs is that if one node is damaged, the entire network can go down, so that all nodes cannot communicate on the network.

Advantages of BUS Topology

Does not require a lot of cable resources
The cost is also cheaper than other topologies
not too complicated if we want to increase network coverage
Very simple

Lack of BUS topology

Not suitable for heavy network traffic.
Any barrel connector that is used as a connector weakens the electrical signal being sent, and mostly prevents the signal from being received properly.
It is very difficult to troubleshoot the bus.
Slower than other topologies.

2. STAR topology

In this topology, each computer is connected to each other in such a way as to form a star, where each device is connected around the hub / switch as the consentrator. This topology is most often used in LAN (local Area Network) networks. This topology is often used in homes, offices, schools, computer labs, and so on. all computers connected to the star topology require a hub, switch, or router with the transmission medium a UTP / STP cable.

Star Topology Characteristics:

Each node communicates directly with a concentrator (HUB).
If each data packet that enters the consentrator (HUB) is then broadcast to a large number of connected nodes (for example using a 32 port hub), then the network performance will decrease.
Very easy to develop.
If one of the ethernet cards is damaged, or one of the cables in the terminal is broken, then the entire network can still communicate or there will be no downtime on the whole network.
The type of cable used is usually the UTP type.

Advantages of Star Topology:

It's easy enough to change and add computers to the network using a star topology without disturbing ongoing network activities.
If one computer is damaged in the network, that computer will not turn off the entire star network.
We can use several types of cables in the same network with hubs that can accommodate different cable types.

Disadvantages of Star Topology:

It has one point of error, located on the hub. If the central hub fails, the entire network will fail to operate.
Requires more cables because all network cables must be pulled to a central point, so more cables require more cables than other network topologies.
The number of terminals is limited, depending on the ports on the hub.
Heavy data traffic can cause the network to work slower.

3. Ring Topology

This type of ring topology, all computers are connected together to form a closed circle (ring) and assisted by a token, the token contains information from the source computer that will check whether the information is used by the point concerned, if any, the token will provide data prompted by the network point and headed to the next point. the whole computer will receive every information signal that flows, information will be received if it is in accordance with the intended address, and information signals will be ignored if it is not the address itself. In other words, this process will continue until the data signal is received.

Ring Topology Characteristics :

The nodes are connected serially along the cable, in a circular network shape.
Very simple in layout like bus topology type.
Data packets can flow in one direction (left or right) so that collisions can be avoided.
The problem faced is the same as the bus topology, namely: if one node is damaged, all nodes cannot communicate on the network.
The type of cable used is usually a UTP cable or Patch Cable (IBM type 6).

Advantages of Ring Topology :

Data flows in one direction so that collisions can be avoided.
Data flow flows faster because it can serve data from the left or right of the server.
Can serve dense data traffic flow, because data can move left or right.
Time to access data is more optimal.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology :

If one computer in the ring fails to function, it will affect the entire network.
Adding or removing computers will mess up the network.
It's hard to reconfigure.

4. MESH topology

In the mesh topology, connecting computers to one another can use a single cable, so in the process of sending data from one computer to another, it will be able to directly reach the destination computer without passing through another computer or passing through a switch / hub.

Mesh Topology Characteristics:

The mesh topology has redundant relationships between existing equipment.
The arrangement of each device in the network is connected to one another.
If the number of connected equipment is very large, of course this will be very difficult to control compared to only a few connected devices.

Advantages of Mesh Topology:

The main advantage of using a mesh topology is fault tolerance.
capacity of the comunication channel is guaranted, because has more relation.
relatively easy to do the troubleshoot

Disadvantages of Mesh Topology :

It is difficult when installing and reconfiguring when the number of computers and connected devices increases.
Great costs to maintain excess relationships.

5. Tree Topology

The tree topology or tree is a combination of several star topologies that are connected to the bus topology. So every star topology will be connected to other star topologies using a bus topology. Usually in this topology there are several network levels, and networks that are at higher levels can control networks that are at lower levels.

Advantages of Tree Topology

Hierarchical centralized data arrangement, it makes data management better and easier.
Easily developed into a wider network.

Disadvantages of Tree Topology

If the computer that occupies the highest level has a problem, then the computer that is under it also has problems
Network performance in this topology is fairly slow.
Using a lot of cables and the bottom cable (backbone) is the center of this technology.

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