Networking Topologies

Network topology: a typical arrangement and physical or logical connection of devices in a network

The transmission medium layout: used to connect devices is the physical topology of the network

The logical topology: how the signals act on the network media or how the data will be transmitted across the network from one device to the devices' physical connection

We can divide the entire network topology area into three areas:

1. Connections

2. Nodes - Network Interface Controller (NICs)

3. Classifications

Connections

• Wired:

  • Coaxial cabling & Glass fiber cabling & Twisted-pair cabling

• Wireless:

  • Wi-Fi & Cellular & Satellite

Nodes - Network Interface Controller (NICs)

• Switches

• Firewalls

• Gateways

• Router/Modem

• Repeaters

• Hubs

• Bridges

Classifications

Network topologies are divided into the following eight basic types:

1. Point-to-Point: a direct physical link exists only between two hosts.

2. Tree: useful when several topologies are combined.

3. Daisy Chain: multiple hosts are connected by placing a cable from one node to another.

4. Ring: doesn't require an active network component, control and access to the transmission medium are regulated by a protocol to which all stations adhere.

5. Bus: all hosts are connected via a transmission medium, no central network component controls the processes on it.

6. Hybrid: always created when two different basic network topologies are interconnected.

7. Mesh: meshed structures have no fixed topology and have two basic structures (fully meshed & partially meshed).

8. Star: each host is connected to the central network component via a separate link and handles the forwarding function for the data packets.