Network Architecture
Star Topology
The advantage of a star topology :
- Easy to troubleshoot.
- Each host is connected to the central device with its own wire.
- If there is a problem with that cable, only that host is affected. The rest of the network remains operational.
Disadvantages of star topology :
- Requires more cable length than a linear bus topology.
- If the connecting network device (network switch) fails, nodes attached are disabled and cannot participate in network communication.
- More expensive than linear bus topology because of the cost of the connecting devices (network switches).
Ring Topology
Advantages of ring topology :
- the signal degeneration is low since each workstation participating in the network is responsible for regenerating the weak signal.
The disadvantage of ring topology :
- if one workstation fails, the entire network will fail.
Bus Topology
Advantages of bus topology :
• Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus.
• Requires less cable length than a star topology.
Disadvantages of bus topology :
• Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable.
• Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable.
• Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down.
• Not meant to be used as a stand-alone solution.
Mesh Topology
Advantages of mesh topology :
- Data can be transmitted from different devices simultaneously. This topology can withstand high traffic.
- Even if one of the components fails there is always an alternative present. So data transfer doesn’t get affected.
- Expansion and modification in topology can be done without disrupting other nodes.
Disadvantages of mesh topology :
- There are high chances of redundancy in many of the network connections.
- Overall cost of this network is way too high as compared to other network topology.
- Set-up and maintenance of this topology is very difficult. Even administration of the network is tough.
Hybrid Topology
Advantages of hybrid topology :
- Reliable : Unlike other networks, fault detection and troubleshooting is easy in this type of topology. The part in which fault is detected can be isolated from the rest of network and required corrective measures can be taken, WITHOUT affecting the functioning of rest of the network.
- Scalable: Its easy to increase the size of network by adding new components, without disturbing existing architecture.
Disadvantages of hybrid topology :
- Complexity of Design: One of the biggest drawback of hybrid topology is its design. Its not easy to design this type of architecture and its a tough job for designers. Configuration and installation process needs to be very efficient.
- Costly Hub: The hubs used to connect two distinct networks, are very expensive. These hubs are different from usual hubs as they need to be intelligent enough to work with different architectures and should be function even if a part of network is down.