Computer network topology refers to the physical communication schemes used by connected devices on a network. The basic types of computer network topology are:
Interpreting a network diagram
Bus networks share a common connection that extends to all devices. This network topology is used in small networks. Every computer and network device connects to the same cable, so if the cable breaks, the entire network is down, but the cost of setting up the network is reasonable.
This type of network is cost-effective. However, the connecting cable has a limited length and the network is slower than a ring network.
Each device in a ring network is connected to two other devices, and the last device connects to the first to form a circular network. Each message travels through the ring in one direction — clockwise or counterclockwise — over the shared link. Ring topology with many connected devices requires repeaters. If the connecting cable or one device in a ring network fails, the entire network fails.
