1.3.3. Networks

What is a network?

• Two or more computers connected together that transmit data
• The Internet is a global network of interconnected networks
• Sets of rules defining how two devices communicate with each other

What is physical topology?

• topology showing the physical layout of the network
• The topology that describes the flow of data through a network
• A topology in which every node is connected to every other, most commonly found with wireless technology
• A network which uses a central node to direct the flow of data, each terminal is connected to the central node.
• Topology in which all terminals are connected to a backbone cable

What is logical topology?

• The topology that describes the flow of data through a network
• topology showing the physical layout of the network
• A topology in which every node is connected to every other, most commonly found with wireless technology
• A network which uses a central node to direct the flow of data, each terminal is connected to the central node.
• Topology in which all terminals are connected to a backbone cable

What is bus topology?

• Topology in which all terminals are connected to a backbone cable
• A topology in which every node is connected to every other, most commonly found with wireless technology
• topology showing the physical layout of the network
• The topology that describes the flow of data through a network
• A network which uses a central node to direct the flow of data, each terminal is connected to the central node.

Identify advantages of the bus topology

• Cheaper to set up
• Doesn’t require any additional hardware
• Performance is consistent with heavy network usage,
• If one cable fails only that station is affected,
• No cabling cost

Identify disadvantages of the bus topology

• If backbone cable fails, entire network gets disconnected
• As traffic increases, performance decreases
• All computers can see data transmission
• Need to purchase devices with wireless capabilities
• Maintaining the network is difficult

What is star topology?

• A network which uses a central node to direct the flow of data, each terminal is connected to the central node.
• A topology in which every node is connected to every other, most commonly found with wireless technology
• Topology in which all terminals are connected to a backbone cable
• topology showing the physical layout of the network

Identify advantages of the star topology

• Performance is consistent with heavy network usage,
• If one cable fails only that station is affected,
• Transmits data faster, so it gives better performance
• It’s not difficult to add new stations
• No data collisions

Identify disadvantages of the star topology

• Expensive due to switch and cabling
• If the central switch fails the rest of the network fails
• Need to purchase devices with wireless capabilities
• Maintaining the network is difficult

What is a mesh topology?

• A topology in which every node is connected to every other, most commonly found with wireless technology
• A network which uses a central node to direct the flow of data, each terminal is connected to the central node.
• Topology in which all terminals are connected to a backbone cable
• The topology that describes the flow of data through a network