ICT PROJECT
ON TOPOLOGIES.

STAR TOPOLOGY. In the star network topology, there is a central computer or server to which all the workstations are directly connected. Every workstation is indirectly connected to every other through the central computer. Star networks are one of the most common computer network topologies.
ADVANTAGES :- * Better performance: star topology prevents the passing of data packets through an excessive number of nodes. At most, 3 devices and 2 links are involved in any communication between any two devices. * Easy to detect faults and to remove parts. * Installation and configuration is easy since every one device only requires a link and one input/output port to connect it to any other device(s).

DISADVANTAGES :- * High dependence of the system on the functioning of the central hub. Failure of the central hub renders the network inoperable. * It can be expensive to purchase. * Star topology requires a large amount of cable to be connected.

RING TOPOLOGY.

In the ring network topology, the 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 intermediate nodes. Data travel from node to node, with each node along the way handling every packet. Because a ring topology provides only one pathway between any two nodes, ring networks may be disrupted by the failure of a single link.
ADVANTAGES:
* Very orderly network where every device has access to the token and the opportunity to transmit * Performs better than a bus topology under heavy network load * Does not require a central node to manage the connectivity between the computers

DISADVANTAGES: * Moving, adding and changing the devices can affect the network * Communication delay is directly proportional to number of nodes in the network * Each packet of data must pass through all the computers between source and destination. This makes it slower than Star topology.