What is it?
- A map of a physical network
- These maps contain all the devices on the network and how they are connected
- These maps are visual tool to see how data moves on the network
- different shapes = different names
Mesh

- A mesh network (Meshwork) is when every device is connected to every other device
- There are a lot of connections for each device on a network and would require a lot of cable for each machine to be connected to every other
- A mesh network becomes more difficult when additional devices are connected to the network
Star/Hub and Spoke

- A star network (also known as hub and spoke) is when all devices are connected to one central device
- Typical, this central device is an access point hub, switch, etc.
- Single point of failure
- When the central device fails, this means all the other devices lose connectivity
Bus

- Bus topology is a type of network topology in which all devices in the network are connected by one central RJ-45 network cable or coaxial cable
- Single point of failure
- If central cable fails, the entire network goes down, but requires less cable
- Hard to move
- Made for the specific space
- One cable means this cannot support a large network
Ring

- In a ring topology, all the devices are connected in a “circle” with each device connected to two other devices
- The ring must be broken to add a new device, taking down the entire network to add a device
- Ring topologies are very uncommon
- If any breaks appears, the network will shut down
- Dual rings allow users to continue to transmit backet while the break is fixed
Hybrid

- A hybrid is when two or more topologies are combined
- Can become difficult to design and maintain but can help personalize a network for specific needs
Peer to Peer Network
- Every computer is equal
- No central server