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Network Topologies

In networking, the term topology refers to the layout of connected devices on a network. A topology describes the idealised or 'logical' "shape" of the network wiring. This logical shape does not necessarily correspond to the actual physical layout of the devices on the network. For example, the computers on a LAN may be arranged in a circle, but it would rarely mean that an actual ring topology was in use there.

Each topology has its advantages and disadvantages: usually related to cost, complexity, reliability and traffic "bottlenecks". The five topologies are: Bus, Ring, Star, Tree, and Mesh.

• Bus
• Star
• Ring
• Tree
• Mesh

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