Unit 2

Lesson 2 - Network Topologies

   Introduction

The physical structure of a network, or its "topology," describes the physical arrangement of wires, connectors, and other devices that connect a group of communicating nodes. A network's topology has a powerful effect on its operation and efficiency.

A network topology is like a system of roads and highways. Over time, different types of road systems have been developed to meet various types of transportation needs. For example, the winding, interconnected streets of a suburban neighborhood are designed for low-speed travel between individual homes. In contrast, straight, wide superhighways provide high-speed travel between entire cities.

In a similar way, different network topologies have been developed to meet various communication needs. This lesson introduces the main topologies used in data networks. A single network may be based on only one of these topologies or combine several of them.

   Objectives

At the end of this lesson you will be able to:

1.

Draw the following topologies: bus, star, ring, and mesh

2.

Describe how a signal travels in a bus topology

3.

Explain the difference between physical and logical topologies

4.

Explain the difference between ring and star ring topologies

Key Point
Most LANs use star topologies.


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