3.4.2+Network+Topologies

=__**Network Topologies**__=

>
 * Networks can be structured and configured in many different ways
 * A specific arrangement of peripherals is called a __Topology__
 * There are Three major network Topologies
 * **Star Topology**
 * **Bus Topology**
 * **Hybrid Topology**
 * The most common way to allow multiple users to access one computer is with a hub
 * A hub splits th data and allows multiple computers to have contact with each other
 * In a network every computer is also referred to as a node
 * A __T-connector__ connects the node to the backbone
 * A __Terminator__ is a device that absorbs the data at the end of the backbone

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__**Star Topology**__

 * All computers that are connected to the network are able to directly connect to the Server via a hub
 * Every computer is connected to the hub, the hub is then connected to the Server allowing multiple computers to connect to the server
 * However the server has to work itself through all demands and chooses one node at a time depending on the task and urgency

__**Bus Topology**__

 * A very simple topology where a single cable is used to link to all of the nodes
 * All of the information sent out by one node is received by all the other nodes
 * The other nodes receive all of the information but only uses the information it needs
 * At the end of the cable there has to be a __terminator__ so the message does not continue to be sent all over the system

__**Hybrid Topology**__
> = =
 * There is no specific way a Hybrid Topology is arranged because it is a mixture of all of the other topologies
 * Commonly hybrid topologies are connected via hubs with each others
 * The main reason why hybrid topologies are used is so the best parts of star and bus topologies can be unified to the demands of the network
 * __A Star ring network__ consists of two or more star topologies connected using a [|multi-station access unit] (MAU) as a centralized hub.
 * __A Star Bus network__ consists of two or more star topologies connected using a bus trunk (the bus trunk serves as the network's backbone)

__**Media used are**__

 * Fiber optic cable
 * unshielded copper cables
 * twisted pair cables
 * unshielded twisted pair
 * Ethernet cables (Most common)


 * [[image:backbone.png width="592" height="214" caption="A visualisation of a Bus Topology"]] || ====[[image:StarNetwork.png width="214" height="214" align="right" caption="A visualisation of a Star Topology"]]==== ||


 * [[image:BusNetwork.png width="250" height="214" align="right" caption="An example of the Bus topology"]] || [[image:hybrid_tpology.png width="372" height="214" caption="A visualisation of a Hybrid Topology"]] ||

Created By Daniel Gillo Last Edited 25th November 2010


 * Jones, Richard. Computer Science Java Enabled. Victoria: IBID Press, 2004.