Arriving at different companies, you can pay attention to the fact that there is a network of undeveloped different - sometimes used "star" somewhere - "ring", but somewhere - "tire".The topology of the network is strong enough impact on the quality and speed of data exchange between computers, but many are often unaware of the basic advantages and disadvantages of each option.
What is it?
Despite the fact that this option is the most common today, the term "topology" not only provides the technology "bus."The network topology is a union of several computers on the network, so it can be called the same option of concepts such as the configuration or structure of the network.In addition, the concept of "topology" concluded a large number of rules that determine the placement of computers, technology, cable laying and placing binding equipment, as well as a lot of other things.
What can it be?
Today there were three main options for such a union of computers - a "star", "ring" and "bus".The topology in each individual case is different from the others and has its own characteristics and advantages.That is why it is important to know these details before spending a network between computers on a particular object.
"Bus"
On technology "bus" topology involves the use of a single cable, by means of which combine among themselves all use workstations.
Thus, a single cable is used by each station in turn, and all messages sent to these stations can be received and listened to any computer that is in the network.From this flow all workstations select only those messages that were originally addressed to them.
What are the advantages?
Advantages topology "tire" are as follows:
- Setup is extremely simple for any power user.
- system is simply installed and thus causes the least financial cost, if all workstations are located a short distance between them.
- If breaks or starts to unravel any particular station on the network, all the others continue to operate as usual without any problems.
What are the disadvantages?
also has disadvantages topology "bus":
- If a problem occurs in any place, instantly breaks down the entire network completely.
- It is difficult to find any problems if they occur.
- Pretty poor performance compared to other technologies.This is because the topology of network "tire" envisages the simultaneous transmission of data from only one computer, and if the same number of work stations increases, performance decreases parallel to the underlying network.
- unimportant scalability.To add a new workstation, you need to replace areas already used "tires".
It is the technology used to connect computers in a local network using coaxial cable.In this case, the role of the "bus" used lengths of coaxial cable between the combined failure in using T-connectors."Bus" is laid completely across the room, and then connects to each computer, and the output side connector is inserted into the socket mounted on the network map.
Due to the fact that such equipment is already hopelessly out of date, and a widespread network topology "star", "bus" is almost never used, but it is to this day can be found in various enterprises.
"Ring"
"Ring" is a network topology, according to which all the various workstations together in series to form a fully closed circle.In such a network, data are transmitted from one workstation to another in a single direction, with each computer acts as a repeater implementing relay messages to the next, thus forming a kind of baton.Such a system already has little to do with the fact that the topology of a "common rail", and therefore has a lot of its features and benefits.
What are the advantages?
- Computers simply networked.
- Practically there is no need to use additional equipment.
- can achieve stable operation without any noticeable drop in the rate of data broadcasting major network load.
- Any workstation should be actively used in the process of data transmission, and if will break at least one computer or in a certain place will break the cable, the entire system will stop functioning completely.
- If you will connect a new workstation, the network should be shut down at a certain time, because it requires opening the ring during installation of new equipment.
- The system is rather complicated configuration and settings.
- In the event of certain fault even experts is quite difficult to find, what exactly is the problem.
What are the disadvantages?
In connection with these negatives today is not so often found to use a ring topology, and most often it occurs in the fiber optic network standard Token Ring.
"Star"
If each workstation is connected directly to the central unit, which can serve as a router or a switch, this topology "star"."Bus" has been replaced over time this particular technology, since it has a higher performance and efficiency.This technology provides control of all movements in the network packets directly to the central unit and each computer through its own network card is connected to this switch completely separate cable.
If necessary, can be combined into one multiple networks using the topology, so that the result is a network configuration having a tree topology.The tree topology is distributed in large organizations, but it is characterized by a number of its features and intricacies of implementation.
"star" topology is currently used as a basis for the construction of virtually all local networks, and in particular, this is the result of a number of the advantages of this technology of networking computers.
What are the advantages?
- If you break any specific station (or its cable is damaged), at work, in general, the entire network is not affected, ie the rest of the equipment continues to operate stably.
- excellent scalability.To connect a new workstation, you just need to lay a separate cable from the switch.
- relatively easy to find and then troubleshoot or any breaks in the network.
- extremely high performance, especially when compared with the same topology options.
- Perfect ease of setup and administration of all equipment.
- The network can be easily build additional devices.
- If the central switch breaks down, the entire network stops working.
- To use the network equipment necessary to allocate additional costs, as it requires the purchase of a separate device that will connect all of the computers connected to the network.
- number of workstations is limited to the number of ports used by the central switch.
What are the disadvantages?
Today "star" is the most common technology for today's wired or wireless networks.An example can be represented by a star topology network, cable type "twisted pair", as well as a switch, which is a central device.Such networks are often today can be found in the overwhelming majority of companies.
Topology and its significance
network topology to determine not only the physical location of the computers, but, more importantly, provides the nature of the relationship between them, as well as various characteristics of signal propagation through the network.It is possible to determine the nature of the relationship that is as fault-tolerant network, as well as learn the desired complexity of network equipment and most current method of managing exchange and many other parameters.If literature is considered the topology of local networks "bus" or other technologies that may provide four completely different concepts that relate to different types of network architecture:
- Physical - layout of computers, as well as uniting them laying cables.In this way the passive "star" is no different from the active, in connection with which technology is often referred to simply as "star".
- logic - the structure of relations, as well as the way in which signals are distributed over the network.This definition of topology, perhaps, can be called the most correct.
- exchange management - the principle, as well as the sequence of transfer of the right to terminate the network connection between certain computers.
- information - the direction of information flows, which are transmitted through the network.
For example, a network that has the physical and logical topology of the format "bus" can be used as a control relay technology transfer of capturing the network, and provide simultaneous transmission of data over certain dedicated computer.And in such content is a technology "star".