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Understanding Computer Networks - 03-03-2025

About Different Types of Computer Networks and Topologies.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
12 views18 pages

Understanding Computer Networks - 03-03-2025

About Different Types of Computer Networks and Topologies.

Uploaded by

sultankeishwar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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UNDERSTANDING

COMPUTER NETWORKS
Exploring Network Types & Transmission
Channels
WHAT IS A COMPUTER
NETWORK?
 A computer network is a system where
multiple devices are connected to share data
and resources.
 Examples: Internet, office networks,

school networks.
 Networks improve communication and

data transfer.
WHY ARE NETWORKS
IMPORTANT?
 Help in sharing files, printers, and
internet connections.
 Enable faster communication (emails,

video calls).
 Improve business and education

connectivity.
TYPES OF NETWORK TOPOLOGIES
 A network topology is the way computers
are arranged in a network.

 We will explore six types:


 Ring Topology

 Star Topology

 Mesh Topology

 Hybrid Topology

 Tree Topology

 Bus Topology
BUS TOPOLOGY
 All devices are connected to a single central
cable.
 Bus topology is a network topology where all

devices are connected to a single cable, called a


bus. It's a simple and reliable way to connect
devices in a local area network (LAN).
 How it works

 The bus cable acts as a shared communication

medium.
 All devices on the network can receive the same

signal at the same time.


 All connected stations on the bus can

communicate with each other.


BUS TOPOLOGY

 Benefits Easy to connect nodes, Less cabling is needed,


and Cheaper to install.
 Drawbacks
 The whole network fails if the backbone cable is broken
 Increased chances of data collision
 Not well suited to dealing with large amounts of data
 When to use
 When a small, cheap, and often temporary network is
needed
 When the network does not rely on very high data transfer
speeds
RING TOPOLOGY
 Ring topology is a network design where devices are
connected in a circle, forming a closed loop. This
creates a continuous path for data to travel from
one device to another.

 How it works
 Each device in a ring topology is connected to
exactly two other devices.
 Data is sent from the sender device to the receiver
device through the devices in the ring.
 A token, or segment of information, is sent through
the ring.
 When a computer on the network can decode the
token, it receives data.
EXAMPLE OF RING TOPOLOGY

 Advantage: Less cable required.


 Disadvantage: If one computer fails, the

whole network may fail.


STAR TOPOLOGY
 Star topology is a network configuration
where devices are connected to a central
hub, similar to the shape of a star.
 How it works

 A central network processor or router acts as

the hub
 Nodes connect to the hub in a star-like

pattern
 Communication between nodes happens

through the hub


STAR TOPOLOGY
 Advantages Scalability,
Low likelihood of data
collisions, Fault
tolerance, and Avoids
point-to-point
connections.
 Disadvantages Higher

wiring costs, Need for


more equipment, Mobile
device attachment is
difficult, Inadequate
data transfer speeds,
and Damage-prone
cables.
MESH TOPOLOGY
 Every device is
connected to every
other device.
 Mesh topology is a

network design where


devices are connected
directly to each other,
forming a mesh-like
structure. This design
allows data to travel
through multiple paths,
making networks more
resilient and fault
tolerant.
MESH TOPOLOGY
 Benefits of mesh topology
 Fault tolerance: If one node fails, the

network can continue to operate.


 Network security: Data can be encrypted

and routed through secure paths.


 Network coverage: Mesh networks can

extend network coverage beyond a single


router.
MESH TOPOLOGY
 Drawbacks of mesh topology
 Installation and configuration can be difficult.

 The cost of cables can be high.

 The cost of maintenance can be high.

 Uses of mesh topology

 Usage:
 Military networks, emergency

communication.
HYBRID TOPOLOGY

 A mix of two or more network topologies.


 A hybrid topology is a network structure that combines
multiple network topologies, such as star, bus, ring, or
mesh. Hybrid topologies are designed to take advantage
of the strengths of each topology while minimizing their
weaknesses.
HYBRID TOPOLOGY
 Benefits of hybrid topologies
 Support a wide range of use cases
 Maintain seamless operation across private and
public domains
 Deliver the benefits of private and public networks
without the complexity of deploying an own network
 Allow flexibility in adapting to different network
conditions
 Drawbacks of hybrid topologies
 Can be expensive due to the cost of maintenance
and hardware
 The design of a hybrid network can be complex
 Hybrid architectures are usually larger in scale and
require a lot of cables
TREE TOPOLOGY
 Tree topology is a
network structure
that resembles a
tree, with a central
node and branches
that extend
outward. It's a hybrid
topology that
combines aspects of
star and bus
topologies.
TREE TOPOLOGY
 How it works
 The topmost node is the root, and it's the

starting point for the network.


 The root node connects to secondary nodes,

which may have their own child nodes.


 This pattern continues to expand outward

like a tree.
 There's only one path between any two

network nodes.
TREE TOPOLOGY
Advantages
 If one node fails, the rest of the network isn't

affected.
 It's easy to expand the network by adding

nodes.
 It's easy to detect errors.

 It's easy to manage and maintain the

network.
Disadvantages
 It requires a lot of cables.

 Adding more nodes makes maintenance

difficult.

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