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