Topology Worksheet

DIRECTIONS: Complete the following worksheet. Identify each topology diagram by name, and add the typical logical and/or physical characteristics associated with each topology.

Topology Diagram Topology Name Logical Characteristics Physical Characteristics Star Network Topology Easy to install and wire.
No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices.
Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

A star topology is designed with each node (file server, workstations, and peripherals) connected directly to a central network hub, switch, or concentrator
Data on a star network passes through the hub, switch, or concentrator before continuing to its destination. The hub, switch, or concentrator manages and controls all functions of the network. It also acts as a repeater for the data flow. This configuration is common with twisted pair cable; however, it can also be used with coaxial cable or fiber optic cable. Ring Topology in which the signal path is a ring but the external physical appearance is that of a star, as in Token Ring networks. This is sometimes called a star-wired ring. can be a true physical ring or a logical ring. A true ring network is similar to a linear bus, in that each computer is connected to the next in a line--but with one important difference. In this case, the last computer is connected back to the first, eliminating the "beginning" and "end" of the network and forming a complete circle around which the data can travel. This also eliminates any signal bounce problem as well as the need for termination. Linear Bus Topology Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus.
Requires less cable length than a star topology. A linear bus topology consists of a main run of cable with a terminator at each end All nodes (file server, workstations, and peripherals) are connected to the linear cable. Mesh Network A true mesh is rarely seen because of the difficulty of implementation, except on very small networks. The hybrid or partial mesh is a common topology in networks that require maximum assured connectivity each of the computers and devices are interconnected to one another. This allows most of the transmissions to be distributed, even if any one of the connection goes down. The connection between the devices and different nodes is made through hops. Some of the devices and nodes are connected through single hops and some are connected with more than one hop. In a true mesh topology, every node is connected to every other node in the network. When data is traveling in a mesh network, the network is automatically configured to take the shortest route to reach the destination. In other words, the data is transferred through the least number of hops. Dual Ring Network Topology Speed and reliability
Uninterrupted long distance communication
Terminators are not required A network topology in which two concentric rings connect each node on a network instead of one network ring that is used in a ring topology. Typically, the secondary ring in a dual-ring topology is redundant. It is used as a backup in case the primary ring fails. In these configurations, data moves in opposite directions around the rings. Each ring is independent of the other until the primary ring fails and the two rings are connected to continue the flow of data traffic. TREE Topology Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.
Supported by several hardware and software venders. A tree topology combines characteristics of linear bus and star topologies. It consists of groups of star-configured workstations connected to a linear bus backbone cable Tree topologies allow for the expansion of an existing network, and enable schools to configure a network to meet their needs.

List three sources you found that would be good references for further reading on network topologies: www.techopedia.com www.webopedia.com
en.wikipedia.org