Network Topologies

Created: 2025-11-25 Tags: networking topology design infrastructure

Description

Network topology refers to the physical or logical layout of network devices and connections. Understanding topologies is important for network design, troubleshooting, and security planning.

Physical Topologies

Star Topology

        [Switch/Hub]
       /  |  |  \
      /   |  |   \
   [PC] [PC][PC] [PC]

• Pros: Easy to manage, failure isolation, scalable
• Cons: Central device is single point of failure
• Use: Most common in modern networks

Ring Topology

[PC]---[PC]
 |       |
[PC]---[PC]

• Pros: Predictable performance, no collisions
• Cons: Single break affects whole network
• Use: FDDI, Token Ring (legacy)

Bus Topology

[PC]--[PC]--[PC]--[PC]--[Terminator]

• Pros: Simple, minimal cable
• Cons: Difficult troubleshooting, single point of failure
• Use: Legacy (10Base2, 10Base5)

Mesh Topology

[PC]--[PC]
 | \\ / |
 | / \\ |
[PC]--[PC]

• Pros: High redundancy, fault tolerant
• Cons: Expensive, complex
• Types: Full mesh (all-to-all), Partial mesh
• Use: Critical infrastructure, internet backbone

Hybrid Topology

• Combination of multiple topologies
• Most real-world networks
• Star-bus, star-ring combinations

Logical vs. Physical

• Physical: How devices are actually connected
• Logical: How data flows through network
• Example: Star physical with ring logical (Token Ring)

Security Considerations

Star

• Monitor central switch
• Implement port security
• VLAN segmentation

Mesh

• Multiple paths for redundancy
• Prevent routing loops
• Secure all links

Bus/Ring

• Single point of failure is security risk
• Difficult to implement security zones
• Legacy topologies, replace if possible

Related Topics

• Switch
• Router
• VLAN
• Network Segmentation

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