Network

Network Topology and Architecture

The purpose of the paper is to explain the terminology associated with network topology and network architecture. I will explain the difference between, mesh, bus, ring and star topology; as well as Ethernet, token ring and FIDDI, and wireless, including advantages and disadvantages. Network topology connects pairs of nodes of a network using patterns of links.

Mesh Topology

Mesh topology connects each device in a network to every other device in the network.

Some advantages of a mesh topology are that it can work over a long distance, it is reliable, and it provides redundancy and it one device fails the backup device can take over the loss data. Disadvantages of mesh are that is complicate and expensive.

Bus Topology

A bus topology connects a workstation along an open cable or backbone. It is usually connected by an Ethernet cable. Advantages that are listed are that installation and administration is low cost, it is easier to configure and easier to expand on and connect to. Disadvantages that are listed include, limitations, difficulty troubleshooting, if a problem occurs on the backbone the entire network would go down.

Ring Topology

A ring topology is when two or more nodes are connected to a workstation to create a ring. Data is sent around the loop in one direction. Advantages of a ring topology includes equal access to all workstations, each node on the ring acts as a repeater, and usage of coaxial cables that creates the ring allows the service to be much faster. Disadvantages includes difficulty troubleshooting, if one connection fails it is hard to determine where the problem, reconfiguring of a ring topology will shut down the network. Ring topology is often the most expensive within topology.

Star Topology

In a star topology all devices are connected to a central hub. A star topology is wired as a star but handles network traffic as a ring. Advantages and disadvantages of a star topology include easy implementation, well for temporary networks, failure to a non central node will not have major effects on the network, maintenance cost is higher, failure to the central nodes can disable the entire network, and difficult installation.

I will now explain some terminology associated with network architecture. "The network architecture refers to its overall structure" (Tomsho, Tittel, Johnson, 2004 pg. 241). I will explain the different network architecture including advantages and disadvantages.

Ethernet

Wikipedia (2006) defines Ethernet as a framed based computer networking technology for local area networks. Ethernet is mostly standardized as IEE 802.3. Some of its advantages include easy installation and low cost. It supports man different kinds of networking media.

Token Ring

The token ring architecture was developed as an IEEE specification 802.5. Wikipedia (2006) states token rings are organized in a ring topology with data being transmitted from one ring station to the next with a control circulating around the ring controlling access. Advantages are fast, reliable transport, but are cable as a star. Disadvantages include being very expensive, difficult troubleshooting.

FDDI

FIDDI stands for Fiber Distributed Data Interface. FDDI uses the token passing channel access method using dual counter-routing rings for redundancy. FDDI advantages are it has high security, very fast, reliable and covers great long distance and disadvantages are that it is very expensive and difficult to install.

Wireless

Webopedia