Network Topologies
Last Updated: 07-06-2010 , Posted: 06-24-2010
Topology refers to the shape of a network, or the network's layout. How different nodes in a network are connected to each other and how they communicate are determined by the network's topology. Topologies are either physical or logical. Below are diagrams of the five most common network topologies.
Mesh TopologyDevices are connected with many redundant interconnections between network nodes. In a true mesh topology every node has a connection to every other node in the network. |
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Star TopologyAll devices are connected to a central hub. Nodes communicate across the network by passing data through the hub. |
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Bus TopologyAll devices are connected to a central cable, called the bus or backbone. |
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Ring TopologyAll devices are connected to one another in the shape of a closed loop, so that each device is connected directly to two other devices, one on either side of it. |
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Tree TopologyA hybrid topology. Groups of star-configured networks are connected to a linear bus backbone. |
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