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explain network topology essay
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Difference Between Logical Design and Physical Design (Graphics Not Available) Understanding network topology can tell one a great deal about installing or expanding a network. At its basic level, the topology of a network refers to the way in which all its pieces have been connected. That is, it refers to the layout of the computers, printers, and other equipment hooked to the network (TechTarget 2006). Because cables connect computing resources together for a network, network's topology is also a function of the way in which the cabling is organized, whether it is arrayed in three basic physical topologies available to LAN designers: Bus- In the bus topology, all workstations on the network are attached to a single cable i.e. Ethernet, and AppleTalk, are more well know examples of bus-based networks. This sharing of the transmission media or cable has several important consequences. Mainly, it means that the transmission media or cable can carry only one message at a time. Each workstation on the network must have the capability of knowing when it can and cannot access the network using this shared medium (TechTarget 2006). Ring- Like the bus, a Token Ring network uses a single cable. Unlike the bus, the cable's ends are looped to form a complete logical circle or ring. Unlike the bus, when a workstation needs to transmit data over the network, it must wait until the token is passed to it by its neighboring station. It takes control of the station and then places a data packet on the network.
A bus is a communication system that connects multiple subsystems within a computer. An average computer system normally consists of several components such as a central processing unit, memory devices, and input/output (I/O) devices. The bus system consists of linking media like wires and connectors, and a bus protocol. Buses can be categorized as serial or parallel and synchronous or asynchronous. The bus lets the different components communicate with each other by allowing information to flow between units and devices.
“A bridge is a device that is used for the interconnection of LANs that use identical
MAC Layer Connections: Management connections and data transport connections are two connections in this layer. The management connections have three types: basic, primary, and secondary. A basic connection and primary connection are created for each MS when they join the network. A basic connection is used for short and urgent management message. And a primary connection is used for delay-tolerant management messages. The secondary connection is used for IP summarized management messages such as dynamic host configuration protocol [DHCP], and simple network management protocol [SNMP]. Transport connections can be provisioned or can be recognized on demand. They are used for user traffic flows. Unicast or multicast can be used for transmission.
Meanwhile, the advent of early PC’s and the recognition of the value in networking devices together gave rise to Local Area Networks. These LAN’s were developed from a business customer perspective, which placed more emphasis on costs and ease of use over reliability. There were a number of different competing LAN technologies, two of the most common being Token Ring (IBM) and Ethernet (everyone else). The triumph of Ethernet in the marketplace, to the extent where it is included in every PC, game console and some refrigerators, provides a consistent and relatively inexpensive way to build internal networks with relative ease.
Token ring is a local area network protocol which resides at the data link layer (DLL) of the OSI model. It uses a special three-byte frame called a token that travels unidirectionally around a star-wired logical ring. Token ring frames travel completely around the loop. The name 'Token Ring' is misleading since the physical topology is a loop.
The Open Systems Interconnection model breaks down host-to-host transmissions into seven different layers where each one performs a specific function. At the same time each layer has the ability to also communicate with adjacent layers in either direction. In essence each layer interacts directly with the layer below it and at the same time also provides support to the layer above it.
A switch can be used to make various connections. Ethernet, Token Ring, and various other types of packet switched network segments together to form a heterogeneous network operating at OSI Layer 2.
The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model is essential to the world of computer networking. The model was created in 1977 by the International Standards Committee, in response to a difficulty that was facing computer networkers at the time (Shelly, Cashman, and Serwatka 142). In order to understand the difficulty, one must first realize that computer networks consist of computer hardware, the software that is to be used in conjunction with this hardware, and the medium (such as wiring or cabling) that will interconnect the computing devices that are in the network. The computer networker’s job is to determine which hardware, software, and medium types will create the network that will best suit his client’s needs. Then, the networker must combine these elements into a functional system of interconnected computers (Fortino and Villeneuve 112). It was in attempting this latter task that the computer networker of the late 1970s often found himself in a pickle. The problem was that each vendor of computing equipment had developed his own unique set of products; products that were incompatible with the products of other vendors. This incompatibility made it very difficult for a computer networker to combine the various network components into an operational computer network (Stamper 27).
The bus topology connects several computers, or nodes, with a communication channel, often a single cable. Computers on a bus either transmit data to other computers on the network or listen for data from other computers on the network. They are not responsible for moving data from one computer to the next. Consequently, if one computer fails, it does not affect the rest of the network. Because the data, or electronic signal, is sent to the entire network, it travels from one end of the cable to the other. If the signal is allowed to continue uninterrupted, it will keep bouncing back and forth along the cable and prevent other computers from sending signals. Therefore, the signal must be stopped after it has had a chance to reach the proper destination address. To stop the signal from bouncing, a component called a terminator is placed at each end of the cable to absorb free signals. Absorbing the signal clears the cable so that other computers can send data. Both ends of the network must be terminated with a terminator. A barrel connector can be used to extend the cables for better reach. A barrel connector can connect two pieces of cable together to make a longer piece of cable which can be helpful in many office situations. However, connectors weaken the signal and should be used sparingly. One continuous cable is preferable to connecting several smaller ones with connectors. Using too many connectors can prevent the signal from being correctly received. There are ways around that. Another handy piece of equipment is known as a repeater, a repeater can be used to connect two cables together. A repeater actually boosts the signal before it sends the signal on its way. A repeater is...
It just doesn't get much simpler than the physical bus topology when it comes to connecting nodes on a Local Area Network (LAN). The most common implementation of a linear bus topology is IEEE 802.3 Ethernet. All devices in a bus topology are connected to a single cable called the bus, backbone, or ether. The transmission medium has a physical beginning and an end. All connections must be terminated with a resistor to keep data transmissions from being mistaken as network traffic. The terminating resistor must match the impedance of the cable.
There are many types of routing or data/packet retransmitting hardware and devices that networks can utilize for security purposes. Some use one or a combination for data transfer. However, each poses a level or type of vulnerabilities, additional unwanted threats, and countless types of risk. The quintessential design is to provide a means to controlling the flow of packet transfer. The main function of the switch, router, gateways, or hubs is having the ability to process and forward data packets on the network. The creation and function is to ensure that each having their own unique functions and configurations which makes one a more viable optional choice over the next for ensuring data forwarding. For example, large networks will need routing protocols that will send the data packet to the intended destination and not broadcast it throughout the entire network.
Bus topology refers to a local area network (LAN) arrangement where each node or device is connected to a main cable or link called a bus. A bus network is simple yet very reliable. Since nodes themselves are not relied upon for communication, the failure of a single node is not problematic for the rest of the network. For a major issue to occur, there must be a problem with the bus itself.
Local Area Networks also called LANs have been a major player in industrialization of computers. In the past 20 or so years the worlds industry has be invaded with new computer technology. It has made such an impact on the way we do business that it has become essential with an ever-growing need for improvement. LANs give an employer the ability to share information between computers with a simple relatively inexpensive system of network cards and software. It also lets the user or users share hardware such as Printers and scanners. The speed of access between the computers is lighting fast because the data has a short distance to cover. In most cases a LAN only occupies one or a group of buildings located next to each other. For larger area need there are several other types of networks such as the Internet.
The next network topology is the Bus topology. Bus topologies consist normally of one backbone or one transport media that all of the nodes are connected to. The linear bus configuration has only two end points and any information being transmitted through the network is received by all of the nodes simultaneously. Although networks based on a bus topology are relatively inexpensive to set up, they do not scale well. When you try to add mor...
One type of MAC is Ethernet, which is used by bus or star network topologies. An