Topology

Network Topology

• Network topology is the order of the various elements (links and nodes) of a computer network. There are two ways of defining network geometry: the physical topology and the logical (or signal) topology.

The physical topology of a network is the actual geometric layout of workstations. There are many common physical typologies:

• The star topology is the basic diagram of a central computer or server which all the workstations are directly connected to. All the workstations are ultimately connected to each other through the central computer.

• The ring network topology have their workstations connected in a close loop. Pairs next to each other are directly connected while other pairs are indirectly connected.

• The bus network topology has every one of their workstations connected to a main cable called the bus. This then means that all workstations are directly connected to each other in the network.