Network topology

nA topology is a way of “laying out” the network. Topologies can be either physical or logical.

nPhysical topologies describe how the cables are run.

nLogical topologies describe how the network messages travel

nBus (can be both logical and physical)

nStar (physical only)

nRing (can be both logical and physical)

nMesh (can be both logical and physical)

Bus A bus is the simplest physical topology. It consists of a single cable that runs to every workstation
nThis topology uses the least amount of cabling, but also covers the shortest amount of distance.
nEach computer shares the same data and address path. With a logical bus topology, messages pass through the trunk, and each workstation checks to see if the message is addressed to itself. If the address of the message matches the workstation’s address, the network adapter copies the message to the card’s on-board memory.
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