Network Topology

Definition
Layout of the computers and devices in a communications network.

Different between bus, star and ring topology

BUS	STAR	RING
single central cable (backbone), to which all computers and other devices connect	computers and other devices on the network connect to a central device, thus forming a star	network travels from device to device around the entire ring, in one direction (clockwise or counterclockwise)
one device fails, only that device is affected	one device fails, only that device is affected	Failure in any cable or device breaks the loop and can take down the entire network
coaxial cable	coaxial cable	twisted pair cable

Example of  bus,star and ring topology  transfer data

LAN(Local Area Network)

-Network that connect computers and devices in a limited geographical area.

-less than 500 interconnected devices.

Example:At home,School computer,office building or closely positioned group of buildings.

Advantage and Disadvantage of LAN

Advantages	Disadvantage
Easy to share devices	Required to be on all the time
Easy to share data	Less secured
Cost of setup is low	Speed internet will be slow if all computer connect simultaneously
Sharing of resources	Area covered is limited

MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)

-Network that optimized for a large geographical area than a LAN.

Example:Traffic Light Monitoring System,Cable Network TV,Surveillance System and Building in a                  city

Advantage and Disadvantage of MAN

Advantages	Disadvantage
Shared access	Quite slow
Equal ability to go on line	It can be costly

WAN(Wide Area Network)

-Network that cover the largest geographical area.

Example:states,countries or continents.

Advantage and Disadvantage of WAN

Advantages	Disadvantage
Message can be sent very quickly	Setting up a network
Avoid older information	Security problems
Share information in large area	Maintenance problems