Chapter 11
Network Topology
Que. Classification of network
1. Peer to Peer Networks
2. Client Server Network
Que. Explain Peer to Peer Network
Peer-to-peer (P2P) is a decentralized network architecture in which
participants called peers interact directly with each other without needing a
central authority or server.
In a P2P network, each participant acts as both a client and a server,
enabling them to share resources and services directly with other peers.
Within a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, every node or connection such as a
router, printer, switch, or computer connects directly with one another to
share resources, such as files, data, or processing power.
It has a decentralized network architecture, meaning the nodes connect across
the network without a centralized server.
Peer to peer network is useful for a small network containing less than 10
computers
Advantages of Peer-to-Peer Network
1. Cost-effective
2. Easy setup and maintenance
3. Resource sharing
4. Fault tolerance
5. Decentralization
Disadvantages of Peer-to-Peer Network
1. Security risks
2. Data management challenges
3. Performance issues
4. Limited scalability in large networks
5. Lack of centralized management
Que. Explain Client Server Network
A client-server network is a model where multiple computers (clients)
communicate with a central computer (server) to access resources, services, or
applications.
The client-server architecture is widely used in networking to manage and
distribute data efficiently.
Components of a Client-Server Network
1. Server:
o A server is a computer or system that provides resources, services, or
data to other computers over a network.
o It’s often more powerful and has higher processing capabilities than
client computers.
o It runs server software designed to handle requests from clients.
2. Client:
o A client is any computer or device that requests services or resources
from the server.
o Examples include desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and even
applications like web browsers.
3. Network:
o The medium through which the client and server communicate. This
can be a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or the
internet.
Working Steps
1. Request: The client sends a request to the server for a specific service or
resource.
2. Processing: The server processes the request. It may involve fetching data
from a database, accessing a file, or running an application.
3. Response: The server sends the requested data or service back to the client.
Fig. Client Server Architecture
Advantages of Client-Server Networks
1. Centralized Management
2. Data Security
3. Scalability
4. Resource Sharing
5. Backup and Recovery
6. Improved Performance
7. Access to Shared Applications
Disadvantages of Client-Server Networks
1. High Initial Cost
2. Server Dependency
3. Maintenance Complexity
4. Security Risks
5. Single Point of Failure
Applications of Client-Server Networks
1. Web Browsing (e.g., accessing websites)
2. Email Services (e.g., Gmail, Outlook)
3. Online Banking
4. Cloud Services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox)
5. Educational Platforms (e.g., online courses, virtual classrooms)
6. Healthcare Systems (e.g., patient record management)
7. Social Media Platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram)
Que. Comparison of peer to peer and client server network
Que. List any eight Network Functions
1. Data Transmission – Sending and receiving data between devices.
2. Resource Sharing – Sharing hardware (e.g., printers) and software
resources.
3. File Sharing – Accessing and sharing files between devices.
4. Communication – Enabling communication through email, chat, and video
calls.
5. Internet Access – Providing access to the internet for connected devices.
6. User Authentication – Verifying user identity for secure access.
7. Network Security – Protecting data through firewalls, encryption, and
antivirus software.
8. Remote Access – Accessing network resources from remote locations.
Network Topology
Defination
Network topology is defined as the logical arrangement of nodes
(computers) in network.
It defines how devices (computers, printers, servers, etc.) are connected and
how data flows between them.
Classifications
Bus Topology
Bus topology is one of the simplest types of network topologies where all
devices are connected to a single central cable, known as the bus or
backbone.
All devices (computers, printers, servers, etc.) are connected to a single
main cable (the bus).
Data sent by any device travels along the bus in both directions.
When a device sends data, all devices receive it, but only the intended
recipient processes it.
Components of Bus Topology
1. Main Cable (Bus) – The central communication line to which all devices
are connected.
2. Terminators – Resistors at both ends of the bus that prevent signal
reflection and data loss.
3. Devices (Nodes) – Computers, printers, servers, etc., connected to the bus.
4. Tap:- used to connect computer to cable
+Advantages of Bus Topology
1. Easy to Install
2. Cost-Effective
3. Easy to Extend
4. Ideal for Small Networks
Disadvantages of Bus Topology
1. Limited Cable Length
2. Performance Issues
3. Difficult Troubleshooting
4. Single Point of Failure
5. Data Collisions
Ring Topology
Ring topology is a network configuration where each device (node) is
connected to exactly two other devices i.e. with next and previous device
forming a closed loop or ring.
Data travels in one direction (unidirectional) or both directions
(bidirectional) around the ring.
Every computer is connected to the next computer in the ring and each
retransmits what it receive from the previous computer hence the ring is the
active network
Devices are connected in a circular fashion, with each device having exactly
two connections—one to the previous device and one to the next.
Data travels around the ring, passing through each device until it reaches the
intended recipient.
Typically, a token-passing protocol is used, where a token circulates the
ring, granting the device permission to send data.
Components of Ring Topology
1. Nodes (Devices) – Computers, printers, servers, etc., connected in a ring.
2. Data Transmission Path – The circular path formed by the connections.
3. Token (in Token Ring Networks) – A special control packet that manages
data transmission.
4. Cables – Usually coaxial, twisted-pair, or fiber optic cables.
Types of Ring Topology
1. Unidirectional Ring – Data travels in one direction (clockwise or
counterclockwise).
2. Bidirectional Ring – Data travels in both directions, providing redundancy.
Advantages of Ring Topology
1. Equal Access
2. Predictable Performance
3. Efficient Data Transmission
4. No Central Hub Required
5. Good for Small Networks
Disadvantages of Ring Topology
1. Single Point of Failure
2. Difficult Troubleshooting
3. Performance Issues
4. Maintenance Costs
5. Limited Scalability
Star Topology
Star topology is a network configuration where all devices (nodes) are
connected to a central device, typically a hub, switch, or router.
Each device has a dedicated point-to-point connection to the central device.
There is no direct connection between two computers
All devices (computers, printers, servers, etc.) are connected to a central hub
or switch via individual cables.
The central hub manages data transmission between devices.
When a device sends data, the central hub receives it and forwards it to the
intended recipient.
Components of Star Topology
1. Central Hub/Switch/Router – The core device that manages and routes
data between connected devices.
2. Devices (Nodes) – Computers, printers, servers, and other network devices.
3. Cables – Typically twisted-pair (Ethernet) or fiber optic cables.
4. Network Interface Cards (NICs) – Installed on devices to facilitate
network connections.
Advantages of Star Topology
1. Easy to Install and Manage
2. Centralized Management
3. Easy Troubleshooting
4. Scalability
5. High Performance
6. Flexible
Disadvantages of Star Topology
1. Central Point of Failure
2. Higher Cost
3. Cable Dependency
4. Limited Cable Length
5. Hub Limitations
Tree Topology
Tree topology, also known as hierarchical topology, is a network
configuration that combines characteristics of both star and bus topologies.
In which a central root node (usually a main hub or switch) connected to one
or more intermediate nodes, which in turn connect to other devices.
The network is structured like a tree, with a root node at the top and
branches extending down to devices.
The root node is typically a central hub or switch, connecting to intermediate
hubs or switches.
Devices are connected to these intermediate nodes in a star-like fashion.
Components of Tree Topology
1. Root Node – The main hub or switch at the top of the hierarchy.
2. Intermediate Nodes – Secondary hubs or switches connected to the root
node.
3. End Devices – Computers, printers, servers, etc., connected to the
intermediate nodes.
4. Cables – Typically twisted-pair (Ethernet) or fiber optic cables.
Advantages of Tree Topology
1. Scalability
2. Hierarchical Management
3. Supports Large Networks
4. Centralized Control
5. Efficient Troubleshooting
Disadvantages of Tree Topology
1. Complexity
2. Central Point of Failure
3. High Cost
4. Maintenance.
Mesh Topology
Mesh topology is a network configuration where every device (node) is
interconnected with every other device in the network, either directly or
indirectly. This setup creates multiple pathways for data to travel between
devices.
Each device is connected to every other device in the network through
dedicated point-to-point links.
Data can take multiple paths from the sender to the receiver, ensuring that if
one path fails, an alternative route is available.
Mesh networks can be full mesh or partial mesh:
o Full Mesh: Every device is connected to every other device.
o Partial Mesh: Some devices are connected to all others, while others
are connected to only a few.
Components of Mesh Topology
1. Nodes (Devices) – Computers, servers, printers, routers, switches, etc.
2. Point-to-Point Links – Direct connections between devices using cables
(Ethernet, fiber optic) or wireless connections.
3. Network Interface Cards (NICs) – Installed on devices to enable network
connections.
Advantages of Mesh Topology
1. Fault Tolerance
2. No Data Collisions
3. Consistent Performance
4. High Security
5. Load Balancing
Disadvantages of Mesh Topology
1. High Cost.
2. Complex Setup
3. Maintenance Complexity
4. Cabling Overhead
5. Hardware Requirements
6. Not Scalable for Large Networks
Hybrid Topology
Hybrid topology is a network configuration that combines two or more
different types of network topologies.
It is designed to meet the specific needs of a network by integrating
topologies like star, bus, ring, mesh, or tree.
The network may combine any two or more topologies in various ways.
For example, a network could have multiple star topologies connected in a
tree structure, or a ring topology integrated with a bus topology.
The design is tailored to optimize performance, reliability, and scalability
based on the network’s requirements.
Components of Hybrid Topology
1. Multiple Topology Structures – Star, bus, ring, mesh, tree, etc., combined
in a single network.
2. Central Nodes (in star parts) – Hubs or switches managing device
connections.
3. Cabling – Twisted-pair, coaxial, or fiber optic cables for wired connections.
4. Wireless Connections – For flexibility in certain parts of the network.
5. Devices (Nodes) – Computers, servers, printers, routers, switches, etc.
Advantages of Hybrid Topology
1. Flexibility
2. Scalability
3. Efficient Performance
4. Fault Tolerance
5. Cost-Effective
6. Easy Maintenance
Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology
1. Complex Design
2. Higher Cost
3. Maintenance Challenges
4. Setup Time
