What is Topology? Types of Topology

What is topology?

How the components are arranged or interconnected in a system is called topology. For a real-time example, if we use google maps to navigate to a place, it suggests two to three suggestions for a single destination. Each suggestion has its pros and cons. Likewise, there are eight types of topology. 

Let's dive deep to differentiate between each other types.

P2p topology

P2p is a peer-to-peer network, a simple form of network between computers. It has been in practice since 1970. In this type, every computer acts as a node for data sharing within a connected network. As every computer acts as a node, no central server is required for this configuration. Even though the network is easy to maintain, the main drawback of the system is it allows only up to a maximum of 12 computers to be connected.

Bus Topology

Literally, from the name, it is clear that the nodes (a.k.a) computers are connected in such a way that they are connected through a bus route. Here the information travels in a particular direction. The data or signals shuttle between two fixed points where the computers are connected. The biggest advantage of the type is that the 'N' number of computers can be connected through this method. In contrast, the biggest disadvantage is if a particular bus link is damaged entire network collapses.

Ring topology

When the nodes are connected to form a ring-like structure, it is called ring topology. The neighboring devices are connected to form a closed loop in a circular manner called a hoop network. It is used in WAN and LAN networks mostly. The main advantage of the system is it is easy to maintain, and the transfer speed of the data is very high in this method, whereas the con is it is difficult to troubleshoot the errors in the network.    

Star topology

This is a system in which all computers are connected to a central system for sharing data. It requires more physical components like cable for this system. If two nodes need to transfer data between them, it must first send the data to the central system and then transfer it to the destined system. The system's main advantage is its reliability, i.e., 

if one device connection is damaged, it doesn't affect other system connections. In contrast, the main con is if the central node is damaged, the entire system fails since all other nodes have no connection.

Tree topology

The combination of star and bus topology is the tree topology. The computers are like branches connected to a central system like a tree in this system. The primary node is the one in which a system is connected directly to the central system, whereas the secondary node is the one that has no direct contact with the center but with its nearest node. The pro of this system is that it is very secure and compatible with most hardware and software systems, whereas the con is its complex configuration.          

Mesh topology

This is a complex system where the nodes are connected with more than one node, and it does not have any central system. Based upon the connection, they are characterized into two types.

Full mesh topology:

If all the nodes are connected with every other system in the network, it is a full meshtopology.

Partial mesh topology:

The nodes are not entirely connected. The data destined to be sent travels through nodes.

The system's main advantage is that even if a connection between a node is damaged, it doesn't affect the system's efficiency since numerous connections between the nodes transfer between the system. It's a little bit costly compared to other networks.

Hybrid topology

The combination of two or more topologies is a hybrid topology. The required topology is chosen and combined based on the client's requirements. Hybrid topology gives higher speed, accuracy, and no data loss during transmission. Even though it is crafted carefully, it also has some drawbacks, such as difficulty in installation, highly expensive, and lots of cables for interconnection.   

The above topology is the combination of ring and star topology.

Conclusion

The suitable topology is chosen and implemented based on the user's requirement. Even though there are many different types of topology, the main job of the topology is to transfer the data and maintain all the nodes of the system in an active state, i.e., 

the node should be able to communicate with each other. All topology cannot be used for every purpose .it has to be picked based on the need, and that's where the different form comes in.