Difference between tree and Star topology
Computer networking has been around for several decades, which is the backbone of what we all know as the Internet today. The Internet is simply a network of networks, which means there is no such thing as a standalone computer on a network. Show
For a user or host computer to participate in data and resource sharing, it has to be connected to some form of network topology. This has brought about the evolution of computer networking to include more devices, which will further enhance the process of information sharing across different geographical locations. Most people are already familiar with terminologies such as Local Area Networks (or LANs), which means the computers are within the same geographical location or building, or Wide Area Networks (WANs), which means the devices are separated by geographical distance. However, there are several other terminologies used in computer networking topologies such as Metropolitan Area Network or MAN, Personal Area Network or PAN etc. In this article we will compare and discuss the most prevalent network topologies and also describe the pros and cons of each one, so lets get started. Physical or Logical Network TopologiesWith the brief introduction provided above, we simply understand what a basic computer network is all about. A network topology can either be the physical or logical arrangement of devices on a network. These connected devices can be routers, switches, firewalls, network printers, wireless access points, user computers etc (basically anything that can be assigned an IP address). Note that end user devices are also part of the network topology. Logical topology deals with how data is transferred and flows on the network, while physical topology is concerned with the physical layout of the devices on the network and how they are physically connected. Types of Network TopologiesNetwork topology goes beyond logical or physical arrangement of devices. This brings us to the various types of network topologies available today. These topologies are Bus, Star, Ring, Tree, Hybrid and Mesh network topologies. Let us take a closer look at each of these types mentioned. Bus Topology Advantages and DisadvantagesBus topology has a network arrangement where nodes make use of a single communication line for data transmission. MORE READING: 10 Best Computer Networking Books for Beginners & Experts Many networks at the beginning of computer networking era made use of this topology due to easy implementation. Advantages
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Star Topology Advantages and DisadvantagesThe star network topology is one of the most commonly used topologies today because of its simplicity and efficiency. In this kind of topology, a centralized node is located at the core of the network topology, in which all the other nodes must communicate through. This topology is mostly used in homes and offices today. For example, the classic Ethernet LAN networks are using the Star Topology. There is an Ethernet Switch (centralized node) on which all computers and network devices are connected to. Advantages
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Ring Topology Advantages and DisadvantagesRing topology presents devices that are arranged in a circular form or just like a ring. Although the layout of the devices is very similar to bus a topology, ring topology is a closed loop. Ring networks are not used much nowadays. Advantages
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Hybrid Topology Advantages and DisadvantagesThis network topology is basically made up of several topologies i.e. a combination of two or more topologies, which could be bus, star, ring, etc. Advantages
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Tree Topology Advantages and DisadvantagesThis network topology is ideal for when you have a device acting as the root device on the network. Note this this topology works with the design of a star and bus topology combined. This has to do with linking star topologies together to form a single network topology, which is linked using a bus topology. The disadvantage of using this topology is the multiple points of failures that are created, i.e. both the star and bus topology needs to be up at all times. Mesh Topology Advantages and DisadvantagesMesh network topologies create a scenario where there is connection to and from each node that is connected on the network. That is, all network nodes are interconnected between them just like a mesh. Mesh topologies are used in mission critical network environments such as hospitals or financial institutions, where availability is of utmost importance. Advantages
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