Data Communication and

Computer Network

Chapter 4th – Network Topologies and

Network Devices

Unit 4 Notes UR Engineering Friend

Network Topologies

• A network topology refers to the way in which a computer network is organized.

There are several different types of network topologies, each with its own advantages
and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types:
• A network topology refers to the physical or logical layout of devices and connections
in a computer network. It defines how the devices are connected and how they
communicate with each other. The network topology can have a significant impact on
the performance, reliability, and scalability of a network. There are several different
types of network topologies, including bus, star, ring, mesh, and hybrid topologies.
Each type of topology has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of
topology will depend on the specific needs of the network.
Types of Network Topologies

Sure, here are the details of different types of network topologies:

Bus Topology
In a bus topology, all devices are connected to a single cable called a "backbone" or "bus".
The devices are connected to the bus through a drop line, which is a cable that extends from
the bus to the device. Each device has a unique identifier, or MAC address, that is used to
address data packets to that device. When a device sends data on the network, the data is
transmitted to all other devices on the bus. The recipient device accepts the data and all other
devices discard it.

The advantages of a bus topology are that it is simple and inexpensive to set up, and it
requires less cable than other topologies. However, the bus topology has a few disadvantages.
It is difficult to add new devices to the network without disrupting the entire network. Also, if
the backbone cable fails, the entire network may fail. It is difficult to isolate a fault, making
troubleshooting more complicated.
Star Topology

• In a star topology, each device is connected to a central hub or switch using a point-
to-point connection. The hub or switch manages the traffic on the network by routing
data packets between devices. When a device sends data on the network, the data is
transmitted to the hub or switch, which sends the data to the destination device.
Unlike the bus topology, the data is not transmitted to all devices on the network.
• The advantages of a star topology are that it is easy to set up and maintain, and it
allows for easier expansion of the network. If a cable fails, only the device connected
to the cable is affected, and the rest of the network remains operational. However, the
star topology requires more cable than the bus topology, making it more expensive to
set up.

Ring Topology

• In a ring topology, devices are connected in a closed loop, with each device connected
to the next device in the loop. Data travels around the ring in one direction, passing
through each device in turn. When a device receives data on the network, it processes
the data and passes it along to the next device in the ring.
• The advantages of a ring topology are that it is reliable and efficient, and it is easy to
implement fault tolerance. Fault tolerance means that if one device fails, the rest of
the network remains operational. However, the ring topology is more expensive to set
up than the bus or star topology, and it can be difficult to add new devices to the
network.
Mesh Topology

• In a mesh topology, each device is connected to every other device in the network.
This creates redundant pathways for data to travel, which can improve reliability and
speed. If one pathway fails, data can be routed through another pathway.
• The advantages of a mesh topology are that it is reliable and fault-tolerant. If one
pathway fails, data can be routed through another pathway. However, the mesh
topology requires a large amount of cable, making it expensive to set up and difficult
to manage.

Hybrid Topology

• A hybrid topology combines two or more types of topologies into a single network.
For example, a network might have a star topology at the centre and several bus
topologies branching off from it. Hybrid topologies can be customized to meet
specific needs, but they can also be complex and difficult to set up.
 • In conclusion, each type of network topology has its own advantages and
disadvantages. The choice of topology will depend on the specific needs of the
network.

Network Connecting Devices

Hub
➢ A hub is a networking device that allows multiple devices to connect and
communicate with each other. A hub is also known as a concentrator or a repeater
hub.
➢ Hubs operate at the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model, which means that they
simply receive data packets from one device and transmit them to all other devices
connected to the hub. Hubs do not examine or modify the data packets in any way.
This means that all devices connected to the hub share the same bandwidth and
collisions can occur, which can result in slower network performance.
➢ Hubs typically have multiple ports that allow multiple devices to connect to the hub
using Ethernet cables. Hubs can be used to create small local area networks (LANs)
by connecting devices such as computers, printers, and servers.
➢ However, hubs are not commonly used in modern networks as they have been largely
replaced by switches, which are more efficient and offer better performance.
Switch
➢ A switch is a networking device that connects multiple devices on a network and
allows them to communicate with each other. A switch is also known as a network
switch or an Ethernet switch.
➢ Switches operate at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model, which means that
they examine the data packets and forward them to the intended destination based on
the destination MAC address. Unlike hubs, switches do not transmit data to all
devices on the network, which can improve network performance.
➢ Switches typically have multiple ports that allow multiple devices to connect to the
switch using Ethernet cables. Switches can be used to create local area networks
(LANs) or wide area networks (WANs) by connecting devices such as computers,
printers, servers, and routers.

Router
➢ A router is a networking device that connects multiple networks together and directs
traffic between them. A router is also known as a network router or an IP router.
➢ Routers operate at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model, which means that
they use logical addressing (such as IP addresses) to forward packets between
different networks. Routers examine the destination address of each packet and use a
routing table to determine the best path for the packet to take to reach its destination.
➢ Routers typically have multiple ports that allow them to connect to different networks
using Ethernet cables or other physical media. Routers can be used to connect local
area networks (LANs) to wide area networks (WANs), such as the internet.

Repeater
➢ A repeater is a networking device that regenerates and amplifies signals as they pass
through the network. A repeater is also known as a signal booster.
➢ Repeaters operate at the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model, which means that
they simply amplify and regenerate the signals that they receive without examining or
modifying them. Repeaters are used to extend the distance of a network by boosting
signals that have become weak due to distance or interference.
 ➢ Repeaters typically have two ports that allow them to connect to two different
segments of a network using Ethernet cables or other physical media. Repeaters can
be used to extend the range of a network by connecting segments that are located far
apart from each other.
➢ However, repeaters are not commonly used in modern networks as they have been
largely replaced by other devices, such as switches and routers. Repeaters can cause
network congestion and can result in slower network performance, especially when
used to extend large networks.
➢ In summary, repeaters are a simple networking device that regenerates and amplifies
signals as they pass through the network. They are used to extend the range of a
network by boosting signals that have become weak due to distance or interference,
but they are not commonly used in modern networks due to their limited functionality
and potential impact on network performance.

Bridge
➢ A bridge is a networking device that connects two or more separate network segments
together to form a single network. A bridge is also known as a network bridge.
➢ Bridges operate at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model, which means that
they examine the MAC addresses of data packets and forward them to the intended
destination based on the destination MAC address. Bridges are used to connect
different network segments together and to filter network traffic based on MAC
address.
➢ Bridges typically have two ports that allow them to connect to two different network
segments using Ethernet cables or other physical media. Bridges can be used to
connect different types of networks, such as Ethernet and Wi-Fi networks.
Gateway
➢ A gateway is a networking device that connects two different networks together and
allows communication between them. A gateway is also known as a network gateway
or a protocol converter.
➢ Gateways operate at the application layer (Layer 7) of the OSI model, which means
that they can translate data between different types of networks or protocols.
Gateways are used to connect networks that use different protocols or technologies,
such as connecting a local area network (LAN) to the internet.
➢ Gateways typically have two or more ports that allow them to connect to different
networks using Ethernet cables or other physical media. Gateways can be used to
provide network address translation (NAT), which allows multiple devices on a
private network to share a single public IP address.

Modem
➢ A modem is a networking device that converts digital signals to analog signals and
vice versa, allowing digital devices to communicate over analog telephone lines. The
term "modem" is short for modulator-demodulator.
➢ Modems operate at the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model, which means that
they convert signals between digital and analog formats without examining or
modifying them. Modems are used to connect devices to the internet or other
networks using a standard telephone line or a cable or fiber-optic connection.
Wireless Infrastructure Components

Wireless infrastructure components are the various devices and technologies that are used to
create and manage wireless networks. Some of the main wireless infrastructure components
include:

1. Access points: Access points (APs) are devices that provide wireless connectivity to
devices within a certain range. They act as a central point of communication for
wireless devices and typically connect to a wired network, such as a local area
network (LAN) or the internet.
2. Wireless routers: Wireless routers are similar to access points, but they also function
as a router for network traffic. They connect to a modem and translate the data
between the wired and wireless networks.
3. Wireless bridges: Wireless bridges are devices that connect two or more separate
wireless networks together. They can be used to extend the range of a wireless
network or to connect wireless networks in separate locations.
4. Wireless repeaters: Wireless repeaters are devices that extend the range of a wireless
network by amplifying and re-transmitting wireless signals. They are typically placed
in areas where the wireless signal is weak or blocked by obstacles.
5. Antennas: Antennas are used to transmit and receive wireless signals. They come in
various shapes and sizes and can be directional or omnidirectional.
6. Wireless network controllers: Wireless network controllers are devices that manage
multiple access points within a wireless network. They provide centralized
management and configuration for the access points, making it easier to manage large
wireless networks.
7. Network security devices: Network security devices, such as firewalls and intrusion
detection systems, are used to protect wireless networks from unauthorized access and
attacks.
In summary, wireless infrastructure components include access points, wireless routers,
wireless bridges, wireless repeaters, antennas, wireless network controllers, and network
security devices. These components work together to create and manage wireless networks.