Computer Knowledge: About Network Topology's in Computers for Competitive Exams

Network Topology's ( Mesh, Star and Tree Topology's)

Mesh Topology: 
It is also known as completely interconnected topology. In mesh topology, every node has a dedicated point to point link to every other node. It provides a bi-directional link between each possible node. This type of network topology contains at least two nodes with two or more paths between them. Mesh topology is robust because the failure of any one computer does not bring down the entire network.

Advantages of Mesh Topology are:

• Excellent for long distance networking.
• Communication possible through the alternate route, if one path is busy.

Disadvantage of Mesh Topology are:

• Long wire or cable length, hence increase in the cost of installation and maintenance.

Star Topology:
In this network topology, the peripheral nodes are connected to a central node, which rebroadcasts all transmissions received from any peripheral node to all peripheral nodes across the network, including the originating node.If the central hub fails, then whole network fails. The protocols used in star topology are Ethernet, Token Ring and Local Talk. A star network can be expanded by placing another star hub.

Advantages of Star Topology are:

• Installation of star topology is very easy as all the nodes are directly connected to the central node or server.
• Easy to detect faults and remove it.
• Failure of single system will not bring down the entire network.
• Allows several types of cables in same network.

Disadvantages of Star Topology are:

• Requires more cable length than bus topology.
• If hub or server fails, the entire network will be disabled.
• Difficult to expand, as the new node has to connect all the way to central node.

Tree Topology: 
This is a network topology in which nodes are arranged as a tree. The function of the central node in this topology may be distributed. A tree topology is an extension and variation of star topology. Its basic structure is like an inverted tree, where the root acts as a server. It allows more devices to be attached to a single hub.

Advantages of Tree Topology are:

• The tree topology simulates hierarchical flow of data. So, it is suitable for applications where hierarchical flow of data and control is required.
• We can easily extend the network.

Disadvantages of Tree Topology are:

• Long cable are required.
• There are dependencies on the root node.
• If the central hub fails, the entire system breaks down.