What Is Network Topology?

Network Topology is the configuration of cables, computers and other peripherals. It is also "the layout of connected devices" and is often seen as "the shape or structure" of a network. The network topology plays a crucial part in the design of the network.

The definition of network topology is:

• The specific physical, i.e., real, or logical, i.e., virtual, arrangement of the elements of a network. Note 1: Two networks have the same topology if the connection configuration is the same, although the networks may differ in physical interconnections, distances between nodes, transmission rates, and/or signal types. Note 2: The common types of network topology are illustrated [refer to the figure on this page] and defined in alphabetical order below:

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Topology?

• Money. The installation of some topologies can be very costly if you have to purchase concentrators. We all know that the economy is not at its best right now and that it is important for the average american to save that extra buck or two.
• Length of cable needed. This is important because the longer the cable is then the more likely it is that their is a break in the main cable which will cause the whole network to shut down.
• Future growth. With a certain topologies, expanding a network is easily done by adding another concentrator. this is convenient because it makes it easier to give your network more memory .
• Cable type. The most common cable in schools is unshielded twisted pair, which is most often used with star topologies.
• Are you using low-bandwidth connections from remote sites? because if the bandwidth is too high for your computers then it can slow it down so that is why it is good to try to use a low bandwidth.
• Are all your users in one site, or are they scattered across the world?
• How congested is your current network? because if you are dealing with a very high activity server then it can make your computer run very slow.

Advantages and Disadvantages

• by using the programs it makes it alot easier to desigfn things on your computer.
• they can get fairly costly if you want a quality server
• on certain topologies you can disconnect your entire network based on one cord
• it is very easy to give your topologies more memory and storage space.

Sources:
http://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkdesign/a/topologies.htm
http://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/fs-1037/dir-024/_3535.htm
http://fcit.usf.edu/Network/chap5/chap5.htm
http://search.aol.com/aol/image?s_it=topsearchbox.imagehome&q=Network+Topology
http://www-10.lotus.com/ldd/stwiki.nsf/dx/network-topology-considerations

Types of Topologies:

• Bus
• Ring
• Star
• Tree
• Mesh