Network Techologies

The Bus Topology

The Bus topology is the most widely used and is considered the easiest network topology to implement into any home or business network when compared to the other topologies provided. In addition, any peripheral-device that would further need to be added to the network, such as a printer, scanner, fax machine and computers can easily be done as a result of each device being connected through one common central cable called a bus or back-bone. Moreover, the bus topology is extremely inexpensive to install when compared to all the rest, but has a few drawbacks. One major issue is in the event the main connection cable in which the network is operating from fails, the entire network relying on that cable will become nonfunctional and when this occurs detecting and correcting the problem within the cable can be a difficult task at hand.

The Ring Topology

With the Ring topology each node-computer-peripheral device will be connected together to two other nodes through one server; therefore creating what is known as the ring. The Ring topology is far more reliable then the Bus and Star topology due to the fact that if one node fails a network administrator or specially designed piece of network hardware can detect and correct the node that had resulted in issues. Two key problems-concerns one must realize when considering using the Ring topology in their network is the materials and configuration is extremely expensive and difficult to install.

The Star Topology

The Star topology uses devices called nodes that are connected to one central hub which is a piece of hardware that collects data and sends this collected data to a specific destination. Additionally, all peripherals are connected to one central hub. The Star topology is easy to install and any updates that are required are equally as easy to install due to the nodes-devices being connected directly to the hub. A few major benefit with the Star topology for businesses and organizations is the fact that any additional configuration that may need to be done will not require the process of rewiring, but rather a simple reconfiguration-change of the hub. This in return can save a company a great deal of time and money. Moreover, diagnosing any problems within the network is also a simple task. Two problems with this type of network are if the Hub at any giving time malfunctions, the entire network will not be able to operate. The second issue is the Hub can bottleneck or slow down the network.