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Network Topology

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Submitted By NotSo31
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ITT-Technical Institute
Network Topology
Tom McKellips
NT 1310
Aaron Bright
October 10, 2013

Network Topology

The following paper is going to discuss the three different types of network topologies, hierarchical star, bus, and ring. Each one of these topologies has different uses in the way we set up networks. For each type of topology there are going to be strong points as well as some weak points. The first one to be discussed is going to be hierarchical star.
A hierarchical star is a network that has a central point such as an equipment room where all computers, routers, printers, and other devices are connected to. This type of network is mainly used to install a network throughout a large building or school. A star network is the easiest to install and the most universal, but if something happens to the central point than the whole network goes down. The next paragraph will discuss the bus type of network topology.
A bus is a network that all devices are connected to a contiguous cable known as a backbone. A bus is used to link multiple star networks together, for example, a building with more than one floor each equipment room is connected by a single backbone to link the networks together. The bus has to have a terminator (usually a resistor) on both ends to keep the signal from bouncing back and forth. If the contiguous cable gets damaged than the whole bus network goes down. The last type of network topology to discuss is the ring.
A ring topology requires that all computers be connected in a contiguous circle. The ring topology moves information on the wire in one direction either clockwise or counter clockwise. This topology is used in some business and some schools. A ring does not require a network server to transmit data from one computer to the next. Like the other types, if one computer goes down the rest of the network will be interrupted.
With a better understanding of a hierarchical star, a bus, and a ring network topology, a person can choose which type is needed in setting up a business or school. Most cases people tend to use a hybrid type of network. A hybrid is a combination of the different types of topologies. No matter which type is chosen there is always strengths and weaknesses to consider in each design.

Reference
Hilmer, A. (2009). Intercom design trends. Broadcast Engineering, 51(12), 8-13. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/218647977?accountid=27655
Johnson, H. (2004). Star topology. EDN, 49(23), 24. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/222461853?accountid=27655
Oliviero, A, & Woodward, B. (2011). Cabling: The Complete Guide to Copper and Fiber-Optic Networking (4th ed.). (pp 102-107). Wiley Publishing, Inc. Hoboken, NJ.

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