Why do networks have different topologies? What are the advantages of each topology?

Network topology refers to the arrangement of different devices on the network. Star, ring, mesh, tree and hybrid are main topologies in context to a computer network.

Topology in general is related with the study of spaces. It assists in differentiating between different types of geometry from each other. The term topology is widely used in context to network topologies related to the field of computers. It defines the arrangement of various components like links, nodes, peripherals, etc. in a network. It can be used for describing physical as well as logical type of arrangement of the nodes involved in the network. There are many different types of topologies like –

Bus Topology – It is defined by the use of a single main cable which has terminators on both ends. All the other nodes like workstations, peripherals, etc. are connected to this main cable. This type of topology is widely implemented in LANs as it is easy to install and does not cost much.

 Advantages of a Linear Bus Topology

• Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus.

• Requires less cable length than a star topology.

Star Topology – It is named as star topology as it looks similar to a star whereas all the elements of the network are primarily connected to a central device. This central device is known as hub and can be either of a hub, router or a switch. This central hub also works as a repeater for data flow.

 Advantages of a Star Topology

• Easy to install and wire.

• No disruptions to the network then connecting or removing devices.

• Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

Ring Topology – It is in a shape similar to a ring, in which every node is connected to only two neighbors. The messages move in only one and the same direction in this arrangement. In case any cable or device breaks away from the loop, then it can be a fatal problem for the entire network.

Tree Topology – It is also known as the hierarchical topology. It can be considered as the combination of linear bus and star topologies as it contains systems with star topology connected to a linear bus main cable.

 Advantages of a Tree Topology

• Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.

• Supported by several hardware and software venders.

Mesh Topology – In this type of arrangement every node participating in the network is connected to every other node. However, this tends to be very expensive and difficult to implement. Multiple paths are can be used for transmitting a message. Due to the presence of dedicated links, it does not provide any traffic problem.

Hybrid Topology – It refers to the arrangement which is basically a combination of any two or more different types of network topologies. This arrangement is known for its flexibility and reliability. It tends to be little expensive.

Describe components of the Network: Devices, media, services.

A computer network is a group of computers that shares information across wireless or wired technology. Computer networks used to only be available for corporations but they are affordable for small businesses and individuals. Computer networking requires two computers, a protocol and the hardware to connect them.

Devices:

Router- The basic hardware needed for a computer network is a router and network cards. A router directs traffic to the different computers. A router is similar to a traffic light. It handles network traffic and sends it to the different segments of the network. Network Card-A network card is required so the computers can communicate. A network card is an integral part of a computer network because it provides the computer a way to send and retrieve data. Server-A server is a part of the network. It is a machine with massive storage capabilities and faster processing, so multiple users can save and use resources. Client-The term "client" is given to the multiple user computers on the network. The client logs into the network on the server and is given permissions to use resources on the network. Client computers are normally slower and require permissions on the network, which separates them from server computers. Protocol-A protocol is the communication method used by the computer network. The protocol packages the information sent by the sender computer and delivers it to the recipient.

Media refers to cable: Cable is the medium through which information usually moves from one network device to another. There are several types of cable which are commonly used with LANs. In some cases, a network will utilize only one type of cable, other networks will use a variety of cable types. The type of cable chosen for a network is related to the network's topology, protocol, and size. Understanding the characteristics of different types of cable and how they relate to other aspects of a network is necessary for the development of a successful network.

In computer networking, a network service is an application running at the network application layer and above, that provides data storage, manipulation, presentation, communication or other capability which is often implemented using a client-server or peer-to-peer architecture based on application layer network protocols. Each service is usually provided by a server component running on one or more computers (often a dedicated server computer offering multiple services) and accessed via a network by client components running on other devices. However, the client and server components can both be run on the same machine. Clients and servers will often have a user interface, and sometimes other hardware associated with them.