What is Network Topology?

• Network Topology Definition

  Network Topology Definition

  Network topology offers a diagrammatic explanation of the logical and physical setup of different components, such as routers and switches, in a network.
• Common types of network topology

  Common types of network topology

  Network admins generally explain the network structure through logical and physical network topology. The former describes how information flows through a network, while the latter concentrates on the physical organization of nodes, cables, or wires in a network. Outlined below are some common types of physical topology:

  • Star topology has a central connectivity device, such as a switch, establishing a direct link with every other device in the network.
  • Hybrid topology allows network admins to unite two or more topologies and use their best features to create the final network topology.
  • Mesh topology injects redundancy into a network by allowing every node to have multiple point-to-point connections.
  • Bus topology organizes network nodes linearly by connecting them through a single transmission line. The data flow is unidirectional in this type of network topology.
  • Ring topology creates a circular arrangement of network nodes where each node has two adjacent connections.
  • Point-to-point topology allows two devices to interact over a secure, dedicated network link.
  • Tree topology leverages the star and bus topology capabilities to create the final network design in which nodes are arranged hierarchically with a single root node.
• Star topology definition

  Star topology definition

  In star topology, all the network traffic passes through a central hub as every node has a point-to-point link with this concentrator. The hub or central node also extends the transmission distance of data packets or signals by operating as a repeater. This network topology allows quick node addition or removal without affecting ongoing network operations. Similarly, the failure of a single networking component or cable doesn’t cause the entire network to break down. However, the central device acts as a single point of failure, and to avoid it, companies generally use a redundant hub-and-spoke configuration. Implementing this network topology can be costlier as it requires more cables.
• Hybrid topology definition

  Hybrid topology definition

  Hybrid topology creates a reliable network structure by merging two or more topologies. Network engineers use a hybrid architecture to negate the shortcomings of an individual network topology by combining it with a better one. Factors like network performance, number of nodes, and business location do matter when selecting a hybrid network structure over the standard setup. Popular examples of this network topology are star-ring and star-bus networks.
• Mesh topology definition

  Mesh topology definition

  A mesh topology is suitable for smaller networks as it requires multiple point-to-point connections between network devices. In scenarios where thousands of devices exist, implementing this network topology is a bit impractical. If two or more nodes have connections with multiple nodes in a network, it creates a partially connected mesh topology. Companies implement this network topology to create a redundant network architecture. However, it can have costly and lengthy implementation cycles.
• Bus topology definition

  Bus topology definition

  A device can communicate with another in a bus topology by sending a broadcast message on the shared transmission channel. All the network nodes can see this message, but only the intended recipient can open and respond to it. Implementing this network topology is more straightforward and inexpensive as it only requires a single cable to connect all the network nodes. However, this cable also acts as a single point of failure, reducing the reliability of this network topology.
• Ring topology definition

  Ring topology definition

  Ring topology organizes network nodes circularly for hop-by-hop data transmission. The flow of data is generally unidirectional in the network topology, reducing the possibility of packet collision. Each node in this network topology has a receiver and transmitter to accept and forward the data packets. The number of repeaters in an extended ring network is typically higher to maintain the signal strength throughout the transmission. This network topology is moderately easy to set up, expand, and manage. However, data transfer speed can be slow as it requires information to pass through every system.
• Point-to-point topology definition

  Point-to-point topology definition

  Point-to-point topology is commonly used in plain old telephone service (POTS). It allows two devices to interact over a dedicated, secure network link. The actual length of the cable determines the geographic distance between the two endpoints. Data transfer in this network topology happens in simplex, duplex, and half-duplex modes. There is low latency and high bandwidth during data transmission as there are only two nodes. However, the breakdown of any of the nodes on the common channel can disrupt the information exchange. This network topology often has lower setup and maintenance costs due to the minimal usage of cables and connectors.
• Tree topology definition

  Tree topology definition

  In tree topology, network components form a hierarchical structure, starting at the root node. It’s essentially a star-bus network in which a single bus cable joins multiple star topologies. The nodes below the root level can interact with one or more nodes. The number of connections a particular node can make at the next lower level depends upon the “branching factor” of the tree. Node expansion, management, and error detection are more straightforward in this type of network topology. However, with the continuous increase in nodes, network maintenance can often become more complex. Failure of the central cable can also affect the entire network.
• How to make a network topology map

  How to make a network topology map

  IT teams can visualize overall network architecture by creating a network topology map or diagram. They can also track and troubleshoot various network issues by assessing the flow of information and interdependencies among different components through these maps. To manually create a network diagram, IT teams should first list all network components, then draw the components on paper and connect them through separate lines to depict their relationships.

  Manually creating such a diagram is often time-consuming and perplexing for IT staff, with a high possibility of errors. And with an increase in network devices, managing such handmade maps can be tedious and complex. Therefore, using an automated tool like network topology software is preferable for IT teams. Such software automatically scans all the components in a network and their dependencies to create an accurate and up-to-date network diagram with several customization options.

  Network topology software also generates multiple maps in a single network scan with high accuracy and detailed insights. It can help IT teams schedule daily or weekly scans to track every minor alteration in their network topologies, such as the addition and/or removal of devices and configuration changes. IT teams can also generate integrated Layer 2 and Layer 3 network maps, export them as a PDF, PNG, and other formats, and monitor network performance, asset availability, and compliance status using network topology software reporting and inventory management tools.