1. Topologies
In communication networks, a topology is usually a schematic
description of the arrangement of a network, including its nodes
and connecting lines. There are two ways of defining network
geometry: the physical topology and the logical (or signal)
topology.
There are six types of physical topologies which are mentioned
below.

2. Bus Topologies
Every workstation is connected to a main cable named as the
BUS.

3. Constrains and benefits
Benefits
It is the cheapest type of
topology
Can easily connect to the
computer via a linear bus
Constrains
If one single cable goes down
the whole network goes down
Terminators are required at
both ends of the back bone
cable.

4. Ring topology
Their workstations are connected in a closed loop configuration.
Adjacent pairs of workstations are directly connected. Other
pairs of workstations are indirectly connected, the data passing
through one or more nodes.

5. Constrains and benefits
Benefits
Constrains
The data being transmitted
between two nodes passes
through all the intermediate
nodes.
No server is required.
Failure of a network cable can
sometimes make the network
go down.

6. Star topology
In this topology there is a central server where all
workstations are directly connected.

7. Constrains and benefits
Benefits
Easy installation and
configuration
No disturbances occurred to
the network when plugging or
unplugging devices
Easy to detect errors
Cost effective
Constrains
Requires more cable length
If the hub is damaged the
whole system will get
damaged.

8. Mesh topology
It has two schemes called mesh and partial mesh.
In mesh each workstation is connected directly to each other.
In the partial mesh topology, some workstations are connected
to all the others, and some are connected only to those other
nodes with which they exchange the most data.

9. Constrains and benefits
Benefits
If any of the device is damaged
the system remains safe.
High security and easy to
detect faults
Constrains
Installing and configuring is
difficult
Expensive kind of topology

10. Tree topology
It simply connects two or more star topologies
together.
The central computers of the star networks are
connected to a main bus.

11. Token topology
It is used in a star or ring topology where the signal
travels only in one direction.

12. Logical topologies
It refers to the path that the signal follows from node
to node.