NETWORK TOPOLOGY

Architecture

·         One of the 2 major type of network architecture

Ø  Peer to peer

      Communications between diplomats of the same rank. In the networking environment, "peer to peer" refers to communications between similar processes running in different computers, or communication between devices that are equal with regard to how they exchange information and control communications.

Ø  Client and server

      Server-powerful computer or process dedicated to managing disk drivers (file server), printer (print server), or network traffic (network servers).

      Clients-PC’s or workstations on which users run applications. Client rely on server for resources such as files, devices and even processing power.

Topology

·         Geometric arrangement of network.

Protocol

·         Command set of rules and signal competence on the network use to communicate.

Network topology

·         Bus wire

·         Star ring

·         Star

·         Tree

Linear bus

Ø  One computer can transfer information at a time.

Ø  Suitable for small area.

Ø  Each end of terminator (device that absorb the signal transmitted on the network cable). The terminator prevent signal from being bounce back a long the cable and cause interference.

Ø  Node (devices-computer, printer, and others).

Star

Ø  Individual connected to a center point of the network (hub/concentrator).

Ø  All information passes through hub.

Ø  Cable length between computers and hub should be less than 100 meter.

Ø  Hub commonly connects for 8 and 16 computers.

Ø  Office or large buildings of each floor of the building have to have its own hub.

Ø  In the middle of the star should have a hub.

Ø  Information going to the hub first.

Ø  Hub is functioning as a repeater.

Star-wired

Ø  Individual computer connected at each in a single ring cable.

Ø  Information travel in one direction only.

Ø  Next computer that will not address will pass to the next, continue pass until it reach its destinations.

Ø  There is no beginning or end.

Tree

Ø  Combines characteristics of linear bus and star topology.

Ø  Tree topologies integrate multiple star topologies together onto a bus. In its simplest form, only hub devices connect directly to the tree bus, and each hub functions as the "root" of a tree of devices. This bus/star hybrid approach supports future expandability of the network much better than a bus (limited in the number of devices due to the broadcast traffic it generates) or a star (limited by the number of hub connection points) alone.