Topology is the combination of two Greek words first one is topo means ‘place’ and the second is logy means ‘study’. Regarding computer networks, a Network topology is how the devices are connected with each other. Here we have two types of network topology the first one is Physical topology defines how the devices are connected physically and the second one is a Logical topology that how data information is being flowed logically from one device to another A topology is the interaction of devices using communication media.
About the types of Network topology:
Physical Topology in detail:
Physical topology is how the computers and other devices like printers, servers are connected with each other. It is actually the physical arrangement of all the devices mentioned above including cables, nodes, network switches. The management of nodes and network cables depends on the ease of pattern network installation and configuration. It affects device-based solution cost and bandwidth capacity. During the planning of physical topology, we must have to care about the distance or length of cables as it also affects the scenario and bandwidth.
Logical Topology in detail:
Logical topology is a way through your data flow from one device to another over the physical media. There is no concern about the physical arrangement of nodes or devices, it is concerned of network devices like switches and routers and the protocols running on these devices, as they select the best path over physical topology to move data from one device to another. It is the logical path or connectivity of physically connected devices with the same network. Bandwidth and communication rate are the major factors of logical topology.
NOTE:
In a Network topology, there could be one physical topology but multiple logical topologies mean there will be different paths for communication between two or more devices in the same infrastructure, logically.Type of Physical topology: (Click each type to explore more about)
- Bus Topology
- Ring Topology
- Star Topology
- Mesh Topology
- Tree Topology