What is Network Topology

Being new on the computer, you may have come across the term daisy chain but have no idea what it means whatsoever. Well, after this article, you will know exactly what it is along with other terms. In class, the very first thing that you will be taught right after the introductory computer classes is about network topology. To understand what a daisy chain is, you will first have to understand the different topologies that there are. So the first question that you should ask yourself is – what is a network topology?

This is the arrangement of several different elements of a computer network. It is the structure of a network an may be represented logical or physical. Physical topology is a physical placement of the elements while the logical topology refers to the way in which the data flows in a network regardless of the arrangement of the physical elements.

Types of network topology

The following are some of the network topologies.

Point-to-point

• This is one of the simplest topologies there is between endpoints
• One computer (node), is connected directly to another node.
• There are two types of point-to-point topology. These are: – Dedicated/ permanent or Switched.

Bus Topology

• In this network arrangement, every node is connected to one cable.
• Every server or computer is connected to that single cable.
• The signal travels in all directions that connected to bus cable up to the intended receiver of the message.
• If the MAC address matches, then the data is accepted but if it does not, it is rejected.
• Given that it only has one wire it is relatively inexpensive to setup that the others.
• There are two types of the bus topology. These are – Linear bus and distributed bus.

Star topology

• Every host is connected to a central hub that having a point-point connection.
• The network does not require to resemble a star but it does have to have a central device.
• All the traffic have to go through the central hub.
• It is considered to be the easiest to implement as well as design.
• There are two types of star topologies. These are -extended star and distributed star.

Ring Topology

• In this arrangement, the nodes are setup in a way such that the data will travel around in some sort of circle /ring and in a single direction only.
• Every device on this topology acts as the repeater and helps to maintain the strength of the signal at an optimum as it travels through.
• The data sent in this arrangement has to go round before it gets to its destination.

Daisy Chain

• Apart from the star topology, the easiest way to get the network to have more nodes is by using a daisy chain
• Each computer is connected in series to the next computer
• It can take up two forms: – linear topology, ring topology

Mesh Topology

• This is a network topology that all the nodes in the network are connected to each other.
• It is very efficient and a break down in one particular node does not affect the communication of the rest.

Tree Topology

• This network topology is arranged just like a tree in the real world.
• There are root nodes, intermediaries, and leaves.
• The rot is the header while the leaves are the very last nodes in the arrangement.