Network Topology

Federal Board | Past Papers | Notes | A-Level

Back to: Computer Science Class-11 Notes

Define Network Topology. Explain its types.

Network Topology
There are many ways in which computers can be connected together in a computer network. The way in which nodes are connected in a network is called network topology.

Types of Network Topologies:
The most important and commonly used network topologies are as follows:

  1. Bus Topology
  2. Star Topology
  3. Ring Topology
  4. Mesh Topology
  5. Tree Topology

Bus topology.
In Bus topology, all nodes are connected to a common communication medium. Usually, a central cable is used as communication medium known as Bus. The computers are connected to the Bus through interface connector. The ends of bus are closed with terminators. A terminator is a special resistor device that absorbs data signals. Bus topology is suitable for small networks.

Compare the features of BUS and STAR topologies.

Bus Topology

  • In Bus topology, all nodes are connected to a common communication medium, usually to a central cable called Bus.
  • The nodes are connected to the bus through interface connector.
  • In Bus network, the sending computer sends the data and destination address through the Bus.
  • The data and address move from one to other computer until it reaches the destination computer.

Star Topology

  • . In Star topology, all nodes are directly connected to a central device, called Hub/Switch. A large network may consist of many hubs.
  • The nodes are connected to each hub. All the hubs in network are connected to each other.
  • In Star topology, the sending computer sends data to the hub.
  • The hub sends data to the receiving computer.