Network topology: what is it, what is it for and what are all the types that exist?

When we want to design a computer network to be able to connect different teams or work units, prior planning is necessary to know what resources or elements we are going to need to interconnect each of the technological nodes.

A network topology is a mapping that shows how a computer network is designed and what structure it presents. (this is the case of those in which we must carry out an IT audit). With this tool, we will detect weak points to increase security, and thus generate an optimal result so that people or programs that we do not want do not enter.

When you have finished reading this article, you will be able to identify the different types of networks that currently exist. , which are adapted to different situations and above all you will not spend money on equipment that is not necessary for your needs.

What is a network topology and what are they used for in IT?

This tool is used to be able to analyze the weak points that it may have, study the changes and their consequences if one element is changed for another , check if the previously designed security schemes are working well and verify the correct operation of each node.

We say that to see the layout of the computer network or technological elements, including the lines and nodes that are used in it, a network topology is the appropriate tool to perform the aforementioned analysis.

There are two ways of looking at a topology: one from the material point of view and the other is to study the signal that exists between work units.

What are the main types of network topologies that currently exist

Types of computer network topology are ordered by location, each relative to a server .

The main types recommended by network administrators are the ones we detail below:

Point-to-point network topology

Also called PtP (point to point) ou P2P (peer-to-peer) . His analysis is characterized by the simple study of two computers connected to each other. It does not present any major complications since the level of interference is practically zero. It is ideal for small places where larger security checks are not needed .

Linear topology

We can also find it in some places like "bus network topology". It is defined this way because it is a common conductor which moves all the other nodes, graphically it would be a straight line that connects each of the computer terminals .

Circular compute topology

This type of computer network graph is also called a "ring", and it can be found in designs in which each of the components are circularly connected , we can also locate a “double ring” version. This type varies because the interconnection is round trip.

Star topology

We will find this type of computer network in the places where all IT elements are directly connected to a central server . Its main axis is the server which has the action protocols for the different nodes.

Mesh network topology

Its name is due to the graph that results when a server has two or more connections, the difference that exists with a star or a ring is that some elements or computers are not connected to each other , but they are connected to other computers.

Fully connected topology

As the name clearly suggests, the main feature of this topology is that all work units are connected to each other, which generates a great advantage when it comes to being able to quickly access the information they have at different connection points . The main problem is precisely that anyone can enter any machine.

Tree network topology

This kind of computer network review corresponds to its resemblance to the drawing of a tree . The main characteristic is that a central computer provides all the protocols that must be executed by the various computers connected in the network.

The great advantage of this type of network is its high degree of confidence in protecting information. because not all computers have direct access to the central server.

Hybrid topology

As its name suggests, this type of computer network mapping is the conjunction of two or more topology classes . Its main advantage is that it can acquire all the elements that generate a profit from each of the different topologies, and leave out the weak points they have.

Garland

This type of topology, also called a daisy chain, has the main characteristic that each device is attached to the one adjacent to it, that is to say that element 1 is connected to 2 and this to an element other than the we can call 3, but never the 1 will interact with 3 in a direct way .

What is the best logic board for the type of network you want to create? Applications

The best logic board will depend on the type of network we want to create . For these cases we have to take into account the connections we have, we will have to check all the nodes or the hardware that we are ready to manage.

For example, a switch or an integrated hub are very necessary work teams, but they have different technical characteristics when it comes to acting.

Once all of these factors that will help the communication protocol have been determined, we will be ready to decide what type of computer network we are going to design. .

Many network administrators choose the simpler to avoid conflicts between the elements that make up the set of interactions, but often you cannot choose the simplest, but you have to choose the most convenient according to our transfer tasks. .

The most widely used, according to our analysis, is the network topology ” bus »And also the topology » mesh «.

The topology of the bus network

This can be used in companies that are not very large and also in home networks, as it provides a quick solution when you want to expand the network.

Using the mesh network topology

While for the mesh topology, it is used in the reverse case of the bus network, it is used for large enterprises where many nodes need to communicate with each other and depend on different databases to work on. by different users.

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments, we will get back to you as soon as possible, and it will be a great help for more community members as well. Thank you!