Define the term topology. What are the popular network topologies?

Q. Define the term topology. What are the popular network topologies?

Answer:-

Topology:-
Topology refers to the way in which the workstations attached to the network are interconnected.

The most popular topologies are:

1. Bus or Linear Topology: - In this topology, all devices on network are connected to a single continuous cable called a bus. Transmission from any station travels the length of the bus in both directions and can be received by all other stations. The destination device, on identifying the address on data packet copies the data onto its disk. When the data packet reaches at either end the terminator on that end absorbs the signal, removing from the bus.
This topology can be used for smaller networks.

2. Ring Topology: - A LAN using the ring topology is connected in the closed loop. The data packets transmitted, circulate along the ring. The destination station copies the packet content on recognizing its address on the packet. After a packet travels a full circle, it is removed at the source station.

3. Star Topology: - In this topology each workstation is directly linked to a central node. Devices can be easily plugged or unplugged to the central node, as need dictates. Any communication between the stations must pass through the central node.

4. Tree Topology: - In this topology the network is shaped as an inverted tree with the central root branching and sub-branching to the extremities of the network. Transmission in this topology takes place in the same way as in bus topology.