Learning About Networking
I'm currently taking a course through 
, it's a Networking Fundamentals course. This course is a foundational course that reviews the different components of a network, how they interact with one another, how data moves through a network, and how a smaller network connects to the wider internet.
Network Topologies:
- A Network Topology is the way computer systems and network devices are connected to one another
Star Topology
- The most common topology
- All computers are connected to a central connection point, such as a hub or a switch
- All data on a star network topology passes through the cental point before continuing to its destination and is commonly utilized within a LAN (Local Area Network)
| Pro |
Con |
| If one computer failed or if ther was a break in the cable, the other computers would not be affected because each computer has their own cable |
Creates a single point of failure, if the central hub or switch fails, then all the computers on that central point would be affected |
Bus Topology
- Creates a network in which each of the computers and network devices are connected to a single cable or backbone
- A backbone (within a Bus Topology) is the part of the network that ties different departmental networks, computers or devices into a single connection carrying the bulk of the data
- In order for this set up to remain operational, there must not be any open connections including the ends that attach to the computers
- If a computer is removed, added, or if the terminators are loose or missing the cable would be open and data would bounce back creating signal reflection
| Pro |
Con |
| This topology is fairly cheap and easy to implement |
Requires the cable to be terminated at both ends of the topology |
Tree Topology
- The tree topology is a branching version of the bus topology
- Each branch within the network is terminated to prevent signal reflection and data is passed to all devices attached to the network
Ring Topology
- Creates a network where each computer is connected to each other creating the shape of a closed loop or ring
- Every computer in the ring topology has exactly two neighbors for communication purposes
- Each data packet is sent around the ring until it reaches it's final destination
| Pro |
Con |
| Easy to install |
No longer practical |
| Easy to troubleshoot |
Creates a single point of failure |
Mesh Topology
- Creates a network where each computer or device on the network connects to every other computer or device on the network
- Avoiding single points of failure through several connection points it's more unlikely to experience a loss
| Pro |
Con |
| Great for WANs (wide area networks) |
Increased cabling and network device makes this topology more expensive |
| Provides a high-level redundancy network solution |
|
| No single point of failure |
|
Hybrid Topology
- Topologies can be combined with others
- Most buisinesses use a form of hybrid topologies
- The most common forms of hybrid topologies are the star ring topology and the star bus topology
- In a star bus network topology two or more star topologies are linked together using a single bus connection
- In a star ring network two or more star topologies are linked together to form a large ring network
Point-to-Point Topology
- This topology has two hosts that are directly connected to each other using a single cable
- These connections can be comprised of any network device or computer
- The point set topology is the simplest of all the topologies
Clietnt Server Topology
- Connects clients directly to a centralized dedicated server to access resources rather than connecting to each other
- Commonly used in businesses instead of having to put all the resources on each computer
- All clients can access resources as needed
- Network administrators can manage their centralized resources allowing for easier management and higher efficiency
Point to Mulipoint Network Topology
- Commonly used in wireless outdoor networks
- A central wireless base station is utilized to connect additional wireless locations around it
- In this topology the other wireless locations do not pass data between one another
- The additional wireless locations are often referred to as clients while the base access point acts as the access point
Peer to Peer Topology
- A network topology in which all the clients on the network pass data to one another sharing resources
- This type of connection is often referred to as a workgroup
- Simple to set up
- Typically found in private resendences and small businesses