Network Topologies

Mesh Topology

In this type of network setup devices are connected with many redundant interconnections between network nodes. In a true mesh topology every node has a connection to every other node in the network. An advantage of this type of topology lies in the fact that it is relatively immune to bottlenecks and channel/mode failures. Allowing data to be rerouted around failed or busy nodes does this. A major disadvantage is high cost due to the high number of interconnections.

Bus Topology

All devices are connected to a central cable, termed a bus or backbone. At each end of this cable is a terminating resistor, or a terminator. A signal gets passed back and forth between workstations and between the terminators. An advantage of this type of topology is that if one workstation fails, it does not affect the entire LAN. Another advantage is that it is easy to implement and cost efficient. A disadvantage to this type of topology is that it a connection to one of the...