Introducing LAN Topologies
LAN: Local Area Network.
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1- Star Topology
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* The main premise of a star topology is that devices are individually connected via a central networking device such as a switch or hub.
This topology is the most commonly found today because of its reliability and scalability - despite the cost.
* Because more cabling & the purchase of dedicated networking equipment is required for this topology, it is more expensive than any of the other topologies.
* more maintenance is required to keep the network functional.
* if the centralized hardware that connects devices fails, these devices will no longer be able to send or receive data.
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2- Bus Topology
* This type of connection relies upon a single connection which is known as a backbone cable.
This type of topology is similar to the leaf off of a tree in the sense that devices (leaves)
stem from where the branches are on this cable.
* Disadvantage of the bus topology is that there is little redundancy in place in case of failures.
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3- Ring Topology
* The ring topology (also known as token topology) boasts some similarities.
Devices such as computers are connected directly to each other to form a loop,
meaning that there is little cabling required and less dependence on dedicated hardware such as within a star topology.
* A ring topology works by sending data across the loop until it reaches the destined device, using other devices along the loop to forward the data.
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4- What is a Switch?
Switches are dedicated devices within a network that are designed to aggregate multiple other devices such as computers, printers, or any other networking-capable device using ethernet. These various devices plug into a switch's port.
Switches are usually found in larger networks such as businesses, schools, or similar-sized networks, where there are many devices to connect to the network.
Switches can connect a large number of devices by having ports of 4, 8, 16, 24, 32, and 64 for devices to plug into.
Switches are much more efficient than their lesser counterpart (hubs/repeaters). They keep track of what device is connected to which port. Every port acts like a hub would do, it just sends it to the intended target, thus reducing network traffic.
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5- What is a Router?
* It's a router's job to connect networks and pass data between them. It does this by using routing (hence the name router!).
* Routing is the label given to the process of data travelling across networks. Routing can involve creating paths between networks, allowing data to be successfully delivered with the lowest latency and the highest reliability possible .
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=> LAN: Local Area Network
=> Router perform routing
=> Topology that is cost-efficient to set up: Bus Topology
=> Topology that is expensive to set up and maintain: Star Topology
=> Device that is used to centrally connect multiple devices on the local network and transmit data to the correct location: Switch
The LAB's notes: Topology Flaws: This lab will take you through the flaws in different network topologies.
A) Ring Topology
1. In a ring topology, all devices are a connector to two others to create a full circle.
2. Packets of data travel from one device to the next until they have reached their destination.
3. One of the major flaws with a ring topology is that if a device goes down or a cable is broken, then data will no longer be passed.
4. If you hover over the middle of the network cable, you can cut it and see what happens to the packets.
Cut
5. The packets can now no longer travel around the network, and no devices can talk to each other.
B )Bus Topology.
1. With a bus topology, all devices are connected to a single cable, often called the backbone.
2. Data is sent in both left and right directions down the backbone until the packet's destination is reached.
3. A major flaw in the bus topology is that it can't handle a large amount of data.
4. On the next step, send as many packets as quickly as you can to try and take down the network.
Sends packets fast with many left clicks
5. The Bus network is now down!
C) Star Topology
1. With a star topology, all devices are connected with their own cable to a central switch/hub.
2. Every packet is sent through this switch, which means if the switch goes down the network will no longer work.
3. See if you can somehow break the switch.
uses a hammer to smash the switch
4. The network is now down!
Thanks for reading! 👨💻
Roger
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