What is the Network Topology?

Network topology is a logical and physical setup of connections and nodes in the computer. It explains the structure of telecommunication networks like industrial field buses and computer networks.  The topology describes how the networks are physically connected and interchange data. The network topology represents data in the shape of a graph.

A topology can be the physical or logical part of a network. Both physical and logical structures can be the same or different from each other. It guides the geometric format of a computing network in connections and nodes. In this article, you will study network topology on the computer. You will also learn important and amazing facts that will surprise you.

Importance of Network Topology

The impact of network topology is directly on a computer’s functionality power. Choosing the correct topology can increase the system’s performance, decrease operational outlay, and optimize a portion of resources and data efficiency. The primary purpose of a computer network is to summarize the network. Examples are computer networks, command, industrial field buses, and control radio networks.

The topology network helps the admin to understand a different element—a well-organized network help in nominating the problematic location, troubleshooting issues, and show the network resources. The diagram is an essential part that helps in understanding a network issue.

How Topology Works in the Computer Network?

A topology is the network structure that explains how the computer system and network devices are interconnected. You can define the physical and logical aspects of the network. It describes how devices are connected and how data transfers from one node to another.

A physical topology tells how all devices are interconnected and share data. A logical topology is a conceptual demonstration that explains how devices perform at a particular layer of interference. Data moves around the network and reach the target. When the device receives the instruction, it sends the notification to the sender.

Advantages of Topology

Topologies play a vital role in the computer network. Now it is considered the backbone of a computer network. There are so many advantages of the topology network, but some of them are:

1. The topology shows quickness in task performance.
2. It is very easy to remove and add the network nodes.
3. It exists in the center, and due to centralization, it becomes easy to detect any device problem.
4. Bus topology is significantly less costly.
5. Bus topology is very beneficial for the small network.
6. The ring topology is unidirectional, and information reaches quickly.
7. Tree topology detects the problem very fast.
8. The expansion of auxiliary hubs can extend the network. 

Application of Topology

There are many types of topology. Every topology plays a vital role in the computer system. Some applications of computer topology are: 

1. Its primary purpose is to organize the different telecommunication networks.
2. The purpose of the topology is to give a summary of the networking.
3. It handles the command and control of radio networks.
4. It also checks the industrial field buses.
5. The physical connection of devices and data flow in networking shape.

Types of Network Topology

There are two main types of network topology. The role of every category is vital in a computer network.

1. Physical network topology
2. Logical network topology

Physical Network Topology

Physical topology is the physical layout between all nodes and connections. In the connection, many lines attach with nodes. These nodes can be Ethernet, Digital Subscriber Line wires, fiber optics, and microwaves.

Some different types of physical topology are:

1. Bus network topology
2. Star network topology
3. Ring network topology
4. Mesh network topology
5. Tree network topology
6. Hybrid network topology

Logical Network Topology

Logical topology represents how data moves from one node to another. It is attached to the protocol and shows a data transfer record throughout the network and the adapted path. In other words, it is the way that devices communicate with each other. It exists in bus and ring topology.

Some Interesting Facts About Computer Networking

1. The German mathematician Johann Listing published the first article on ‘Introductory Studies in Topology,’ later named topology.
2. Logical network topology explains the structure of the connections.
3. Point-to-Point topology is the fastest topology.
4. Star topology is a common type of topology.
5. Bus topology is the slowest type of all topology.
6. Mesh topology used on the internet.

Learn More About the Computer Networking Topology

I have written many articles on topologies of computer networks. You can study all these articles through this link:

Conclusion

Network topology is the arrangement of elements used for internal communication between devices. The word topology drive from two Greek words, ‘topo and logy.’ The word topo means place, and logy means study. The topology explains how the networks are physically connected and how to interchange data.

There are two types of topology. One is physical, and the other is logical network topology. The physical topology has six types: Bus, star, ring, mesh, tree, and hybrid network topology. It is very beneficial for the computer. You can easily add and remove topologies. Its direct effect the computer performance. Logical network topology explains the structure of the connections. It exists in bus and ring topology.

FAQs About Network Topology

In this section, I give the answers of all questions about network topology. Further, if you have any query then you can ask in the comment section. I will assist you.