🧭 Network Topologies

---

📘 Overview

A network topology defines how devices are arranged in a network, both physically (actual cable layout) and logically (how data flows).

Topologies impact performance, fault tolerance, and scalability.

---

🧱 Common Topology Types

1. Bus Topology

• All devices share one main cable.
• Data travels in one direction.
• Pros: Simple, cheap.
• Cons: Entire network fails if the main cable breaks.

2. Ring Topology

• Devices form a loop; each device connects to two others.
• Data flows in one direction.
• Pros: No termination needed.
• Cons: A single break disables the network.

3. Star Topology

• Devices connect to a central switch/hub.
• Pros: Easy to manage; failure in one cable doesn’t affect the rest.
• Cons: If the central hub fails, all communication stops.

4. Mesh Topology

• Every device connects to every other device.
• Pros: Redundant paths; high fault tolerance.
• Cons: Expensive; complex to wire.

5. Hybrid Topology

• Combination of two or more topologies.
• Example: Star-bus or star-ring setups.

6. Point-to-Point Topology

• Direct connection between two nodes.
• Usage: Serial links, device-to-device.

7. Point-to-Multipoint Topology

• One device communicates with multiple devices.
• Example: Wireless access point to many clients.

---

🧠 Exam Tip

🔎 Know the difference between physical topology (cables) and logical topology (data flow). You will see this on the CompTIA Network+ exam.

---

📊 Visual Aids

• Network Topology Diagram

---

🔁 Related Terms

• Logical Topology
• Physical Topology
• Backbone
• Bus Cable
• Token Ring

---

Return to: Chapter 3