Network Topologies

Network topology is a layout of series of computers called workstations and other peripheral devices like printers, scanners connected in a particular pattern. These workstations or devices are also called nodes or links.

In a network there are two or more computers connected with each other via some interface device like Network Interface card (NIC) or by PPP (Point-to-Point) networking protocol.

Topology represents the structure or the arrangement of the network. These network topologies could either be physical or logical. Physical topology is a formal representation or layout of interconnection of many devices or computer. This is ascertained on the basis of configuration and interconnectivity of devices and the actual shape may not resemble the type.

Logical topology is how information packet or the data flows in a network. The choice of network topology depends on various factors such as number of workstations (computers) used, nature of work on which data transfer capability is dependent, cost, availability of space and future expansion. Below are mentioned various network topologies.