Computer network topology – Understanding, type, pros and cons

When we want to install a computer network, first we have to pay attention to the form/topology structure used. Well, this article discusses about the understanding of the network topology on the computer completely and complete.

Network topology itself is a form/network structure that connects between computers one with the other using both wired and wireless media.

In the network installation, we have to really pay attention to the type, advantages and disadvantages of each network topology that we will use. Wisely in choosing a topology will impact on the efficiency and the funds you need later.

Computer network topology

Suppose this way, if you just want to create a very simple network, maybe the topology Bus can be your choice, but if you want to create a network that is medium or large, you must choose another topology type because the Bus topology is very Not recommended. Immediately, here is the understanding of computer network topology and its types, advantages and disadvantages:

1. Bus topology

The bus topology can be fairly simple topology compared to other topology. This topology is usually used in fiber optic network installation, then combined with star topology to connect client or node.

The bus topology uses only a coaxial cable type along the client node and in general, the coaxial cable end is usually given the T connector as the end-to-end cable.

Bus topology Overload:

• The cost of installation is arguably very cheap as it uses only a few wires.
• The addition of new client/workstation can be done easily.
• Very simple and easy to apply topology

Bus topology shortage:

• If one of the cables in the bus network topology is broken or problematic, it may interfere with other workstation/client computers.
• The process of sending (sending) and receiving (receiving) data is less efficient, usually there are often data collisions in this topology.
• Very jadul topology and difficult to develop.

2. Star topology

Star or star topology is one form of network topology that usually use switch/hub to connect client one with other client.

Advantages of Star topology

• When one of the computers encounters a problem, the network in this topology continues to run and does not affect the other computer.
• Flexible
• The security level can be fairly good rather than a bus topology.
• Easy detection of issues is quite straightforward in case of network damage.

Lack of Star topology

• If the switch/hub that is a central point is experiencing problems, then all computers connected in this topology are also experiencing problems.
• It simply takes a lot of wires, so the expense that is issued can be quite expensive.The network depends heavily on the central Terminal.

3. Ring topology

Ring topology or ring is one of network topology that connect one computer with other computer in a circular circuit, similar to ring. Usually this topology only use LAN card to connect computer one with other computer.

Excess Ring topology:

• Performs better than bus topology.
• Easy to implement.
• Reconfiguring and installing a new device is arguably quite easy.
• Installation fee reasonably cheap

Ring topology deficiency:

• The communication performance in this topology is assessed from the number/number of dots or nodes.
• Troubleshooting is quite tricky.
• If one of the connections is dropped, then the other connection is also dropped.
• In this topology Bogana happens collision (data collision).

4. Mesh topology

Mesh topology is a form of topology that is very suitable in terms of selection of many routes. It serves as a backup path when another path encounters a problem.

Excess Mesh topology:

• The data delivery path used is very much, so there is no need to worry about collision.
• Big bandwidth is quite wide.
• Security in this topology is arguably very good.

Mesh topology deficiency:

• The network installation process in this topology is very complicated.
• Requires a lot of cables.
• Consuming a very expensive installation cost, because it requires a lot of cables.

5. Peer to Peer topology

A peer to peer topology is a very simple topology because it only uses 2 computers to connect to each other.

In this topology usually use one cable connecting between computers for data exchange process.

Advantages of Peer to Peer topology

• The cost is very cheap.
• Each computer can act as a client or a server.
• Installation of a network is quite easy.

Peer to Peer topology shortage

• Security in this type of topology can be arguably very vulnerable.
• Difficult to develop.
• The security system is configured by each user.
• Networking Troubleshooting is arguably tricky.

6. Linear topology

A linear topology or a usually called a topological bus topology. In this topology usually use one main cable to connect each connection point on each computer.

Advantages of linear topology

• Easy to develop.
• Requires a little cable.
• Does not conquer central control.
• The layout in this topology series is arguably quite simple.

Disadvantages of linear topology

• It has a fairly high traffic density.
• Data security is not good.

7. Tree topology

Tree or tree topology is a combined topology between star topology and also bus topology. This network topology is usually used for interconnection between central and different hierarchy.

Excess Tree topology

• The hierarchy of centralized data, it makes data management better and easier.
• Easily developed into a wider network.

Lack of Tree topology

• If the computer occupying the highest level is experiencing problems, then the computer contained below is also problematic
• Network performance in this topology is relatively slow.
• Using a lot of wires and the bottom cable (backbone) is the center of this technology.

8. Hybrid topology

Hybrid topology is a combined topology between several different topologies. When two or more different topologies are connected to each other, that's when the combination of topologies forms a hybrid topology.

Hybrid Topology Advantages

• The Freksibel
• Adding more connections is easy.

Hybrid topology deficiency

• Management on this network is very difficult.
• The development cost in this topology is also quite expensive.
• Installation and configuration of the network in this topology can be quite complicated, because there are different topologies.

Conclusion

That is the sense of computer network topology and its types, advantages and disadvantages. Because of the many types of network topology that we already know above, then we should really pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages of each topology.

In addition, you also need to consider the budget needed to purchase the devices used in your chosen topology. Listen also about understanding and benefits of the Internet that play a significant role in the advancement of technology today.