ASSIGNMENT- 3
q. Study various type pf network topologies woth their pros and cons :-
Network topologies refer to the arrangement of different elements (nodes, links, etc.) in a computer
network. Understanding the various types of topologies is essential for designing efficient and scalable
networks. Below are the primary types of network topologies, along with their pros and cons:
1. Bus Topology
Structure: A single central cable (bus) connects all devices.
Pros:
o Easy and cost-effective to set up.
o Requires less cable than other topologies.
o Suitable for small networks.
Cons:
o A failure in the central cable can bring down the entire network.
o Limited cable length and number of nodes.
o Performance degrades with high traffic.
o Troubleshooting is challenging.
2. Star Topology
Structure: All nodes are connected to a central hub or switch.
Pros:
o Easy to install and manage.
o Fault in one cable doesn’t affect others.
o Centralized control and easier troubleshooting.
o Scalable: Adding or removing nodes is simple.
Cons:
o Failure of the central hub disrupts the entire network.
o Requires more cable than bus topology.
o Central hub can be expensive.
3. Ring Topology
Structure: Each device is connected to two other devices, forming a circular pathway.
Pros:
o Data travels in one direction, reducing collisions.
o Equal access to the network for all nodes.
o Suitable for predictable performance in small networks.
Cons:
o A failure in one node or cable affects the entire network.
o Troubleshooting is difficult.
o Adding or removing nodes can disrupt the network.
4. Mesh Topology
Structure: Every node is connected to every other node (fully connected) or to multiple nodes
(partially connected).
Pros:
o Highly reliable and robust.
o Failure in one link doesn’t affect the entire network.
o Data can be transmitted simultaneously through multiple paths.
o Ideal for critical applications.
Cons:
o Expensive to install due to extensive cabling.
o Complex to configure and maintain.
o Difficult to scale in large networks.
5. Tree Topology
Structure: Hierarchical structure with a root node and connected child nodes.
Pros:
o Scalable and easy to manage for larger networks.
o Fault isolation is simpler compared to other topologies.
o Combines advantages of star and bus topologies.
Cons:
o If the root node fails, the entire network is affected.
o Requires more cable than bus topology.
o Maintenance can be challenging as the network grows.
6. Hybrid Topology
Structure: Combines two or more different types of topologies (e.g., star-bus or star-ring).
Pros:
o Flexible and scalable.
o Combines the strengths of multiple topologies.
o Faults are localized to individual segments.
Cons:
o Complex to design and implement.
o Expensive to set up and maintain.
o Requires skilled administration.
7. Point-to-Point Topology
Structure: A direct connection between two devices.
Pros:
o Simple and easy to set up.
o High bandwidth and low latency.
o Secure as it involves only two nodes.
Cons:
o Not scalable for larger networks.
o Failure in the connection disrupts communication.
8. Point-to-Multipoint Topology
Structure: One central node connects to multiple other nodes.
Pros:
o Efficient for broadcasting data from a single source.
o Easy to implement with minimal hardware.
Cons:
o Central node failure affects all connected devices.
o Limited scalability compared to other topologies.
