Network Topology Diagrams

What is Network Topology

The physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables, computers, and other peripherals. Physical topology should not be confused with logical topology which is the method used to pass information between workstations. Logical topology was discussed in the Protocol chapter.
Main Types of Network Topologies In networking, the term "topology" refers to the layout of connected devices on a network. This article introduces the standard topologies of computer networking.
One can think of a topology as a network's virtual shape or structure. This shape does not necessarily correspond to the actual physical layout of the devices on the network. For example, the computers on a home LAN may be arranged in a circle in a family room, but it would be highly unlikely to find an actual ring topology there.
Network topologies are categorized into the following basic types:
Star Topology
Ring Topology
Bus Topology
Tree Topology
Mesh Topology
Hybrid TopologyMore complex networks can be built as hybrids of two or more of the above basic topologies.
Star Topology Many home networks use the star topology. A star network features a central connection point called a "hub" that may be a hub, switch or router. Devices typically connect to the hub with Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Ethernet.
Compared to the bus topology, a star network generally requires more cable, but a failure in any star network cable will only take down one computer's network access and not the entire LAN. (If the hub fails, however, the entire network also fails.)
See the illustration of Star Network Topology.