What is a network topology? This is a term on computer networking. Network topology is the system and method used in connecting one computer to another, so there are two ways, you can use cables and without using cables or wireless.
This network topology has several variations and its use is also in accordance with the purpose, cost, and scale of the network. Some of the existing computer network topologies are ring topology, mesh topology, star topology, bus topology, and tree topology. All types of network topologies have their respective advantages and there are respective disadvantages. So, in using a network topology, you should pay close attention to its purpose or use so that it has the appropriate topology type.
Thus a glimpse of the meaning of the network topology on the computer, here we will see how the experts say about the meaning and understanding of network topology.
Understanding Network Topology According to Experts
Based on experts in the field of information technology, network topology is defined by the following definitions:
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1. Zymon Machajewski
According to Zymon Machajewski’s opinion, the computer network topology is a set of computers that are in a network that is interconnected with the aim of being able to share resources among these computers. For example, the Internet, this is one of the resources currently used in a network together.
2. Jafar Noor Yudianto
According to Jafar Noor Yudianto, it is a system in which there are several computers that are designed to share resources with each other: such as printers, CPUs, sharing communications such as: e-mail, instant messaging, and being able to access and browse the web like a web browser.
3. Umi Proboyekti
Meanwhile, according to Umi Proboyekti, the network topology is a group of computers that are separate from each other, but the computers are interconnected in carrying out their duties. For example, two or more computers can be said to be connected if the two can exchange information.
The connection can be via copper wire, microwave, optical fiver, or communication satellite. These are all means of connecting with one another.
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4. Budhi Irawan
Budhi Irawan said that network topology is a system consisting of computers and other devices that work together to achieve the same goal.
5. Abdul Kadil
According to him, network topology is a relationship with two or more nodes (usually in the form of computers), the purpose of which is to mutually exchange data from one node to another.
6. Izaas El Said
Izaas El Said said that the definition of network topology is a group of computers that are interconnected or connected to be able to share information and the resources they have.
7. Kristanto
He said that the definition of a network topology is a group of autonomous computers that are connected to each other. These computers use one communication protocol so that all of them can access the same information, can share resources, can share programs and can use hardware at the same time between one computer and another such as printers, and hard drives.
Types and Kinds of Computer Network Topology
There are several types of computer network topology that are often used. As we mentioned above, and now we explain the meaning of one by one the types of computer network topologies and the advantages and disadvantages of each network topology.
1. Ring topology (ring)
Ring topology or also called ring topology is a network system that is used to be able to connect one computer to another computer in a circular network like a ring. This type of topology only uses a LAN card to be able to connect between these computers.
Here we see a picture of a computer network topology in the form of a ring or ring.
Some of the advantages of Ring topology are:
- Low cost
- The installation process is fairly straightforward, as is the configuration process
- Quick connection access
- The performance is quite easy
Some of the disadvantages of Ring topology:
- If problems or problems arise, then troubleshooting is very complicated
- Vulnerable to data flow collisions
- If one of the connections has a problem, the network will be disconnected.
2. Bus Topology
The bus topology is used in coaxial cable-based network installations, and this includes a simpler and easier computer network topology. The cable used along the client and connector nodes is a coaxial cable.
Several types of connectors used in the bus topology are BNC, Terminator, and TBNC. The following is a picture of a bus topology on a computer network.
The advantages of Bus topology are as follows:
- Easy to use and very simple
- It’s easy to add new workstations and add clients
- Installation costs are cheap because very few cables are used
Some of the shortcomings of the bus topology are:
- Serign data flow collisions occur
- Data transmission and reception is inefficient
- Have a long time is difficult to develop
- If the cable on the computer has a problem such as a break, the workstation will be interrupted
3. Star Topology
This is a star topology or star because the shape of the network connection is in the form of a star scheme. Star topology generally uses switches and hubs to connect between clients.
Star topology is a type of topology that has many advantages and disadvantages so that this type of topology is now widely used. Here we see the network topology image!
Some of the advantages and advantages of star topology:
- Data security is pretty good
- The computer network continues to run well even though one of the computers has a problem
- Users are easy to find problems on the network
- More flexible
Lack of Star topology
- The cables used are so many that they are expensive
- If the hub or switch has a problem then all the networks on the connected computer will have a problem
- Its speed and access are highly dependent on the central terminal
4. Mesh Topology
Furthermore, the topology type is a mesh topology. This is a topological model that allows connecting quite a number of computers. The network uses a single cable, this causes the data transmission process to be very fast.
So, the network is not through a hub or switch as in the star topology. The following is a mesh topology image for connecting between computers.
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5. Tree Topology
Next is the tree topology. Tree topology is a combination of two topologies, namely a bus topology and a star topology. This type of topology is used for interconnection between different hierarchies and centers. How does this topology scheme, see the image below.
The advantages of tree topology:
- Easy to develop into a wide network
- The structure is centralized in a hierarchical manner, this makes organizing data easier.
Disadvantages of Tree topology
- The network is slow
- The use of cables is a lot and the installation costs are expensive
- The center of the tree topology is the backbone cable
- If there is a problem with the top computer, then the bottom computer is also having a problem
6. Peer to Peer Topology
Peer to peer topology is one type of computer network topology that is very easy and simple because in this system there are only two computers that are connected to each other.
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To make the two computers able to share data and access, this topology only uses one cable. See the image below for more details.
This is the advantage of Peer to Peer topology
- Easy installation process
- Cheap installation costs
- Each computer can act as a client and central
Lack of Peer to peer computer network topology:
- Security in this topology system is often problematic
- The system is difficult to expand into a wider area
- The troubleshooting process is difficult and complicated
7. Linear Topology
Linear topology is a bus sequence topology model. This type uses only one main cable that is connected to each point on all computers.
Some of the advantages of linear topology:
- The cables are used sparingly
- Easy to use
- Simple and easy linear topology layout
- This topology does not require a central or control center
Disadvantages of linear topology systems:
- Its safety is not guaranteed
- Very high traffic density
8. Hybrid Topology
Hybrid is a combination or collaboration of several different topologies so that it becomes a new computer network. So, connected two or more topologies in one network, this is called or forms a hybrid topology. See the picture below.
Here are some of the advantages of this topology:
- Adding another connection is very easy
- Flexible
Disadvantages of hybrid topology
- The setup process is very complicated
- Management in this topology is very difficult to do
- Requires high cost for installation
That is the explanation of the computer network topology. After we look at them one by one, we understand that all topologies have their disadvantages in addition to their respective advantages.
So, for the installation or installation of a computer topology, of course you have to pay attention to the uses and goals we want to achieve. One of the benchmarks that needs to be considered is the installation price. Usually, the more cables, the installation will be complicated and the cost will be expensive.
Note: Credit image: maxmanroe.com