Types of Network Topology - Computer Networks

BUS Topology
Bus topology is a network type in where every computer and network device is connected to single cable
It transmits data only in one direction.
Every device is connected to a single cable
It is cost effective.
Cable required is least compared to other network topology.
Used in small networks.
It is easy to understand.
Easy to expand joining two cables together.
Cables fails then whole network fails.
If network traffic is heavy or nodes are more the performance of the network decreases.
Cable has a limited length.
It is slower than the ring topology.

RING Topology
Exactly two neighbours for each device.
A number of repeaters are used and the transmission is unidirectional.
Date is transferred in a sequential manner that is bit by bit.
Transmitting network is not affected by high traffic or by adding more nodes, as only the nodes having tokens can transmit data.
Cheap to install and expand
Troubleshooting is difficult in ring topology.
Adding or deleting the computers disturbs the network activity.
Failure of one computer disturbs the whole network.

STAR Topology
All the computers are connected to a single hub through a cable
Every node has its own dedicated connection to the hub.
Acts as a repeater for data flow.
Can be used with twisted pair, Optical Fibre or coaxial cable.
Fast performance with few nodes and low network traffic.
Hub can be upgraded easily.
Easy to troubleshoot.
Easy to setup and modify.
Only that node is affected which has failed rest of the nodes can work smoothly.
Cost of installation is high.
Expensive to use.
If the hub is affected then the whole network is stopped because all the nodes depend on the hub.
Performance is based on the hub that is it depends on its capacity.

MESH Topology
point-to-point connection to other nodes or devices.
Partial Mesh Topology : In this topology some of the systems are connected in the same fashion as mesh topology but some devices are only connected to two or three devices.
Full Mesh Topology : Each and every nodes or devices are connected to each other.
Each connection can carry its own data load.
It is robust.
Fault is diagnosed easily.
Provides security and privacy.
Installation and configuration is difficult.
Cabling cost is more.
Bulk wiring is required.

TREE Topology
It has a root node and all other nodes are connected to it forming a hierarchy. It is also called hierarchical topology. It should at least have three levels to the hierarchy.
Ideal if workstations are located in groups.
Used in Wide Area Network.
Extension of bus and star topologies.
Expansion of nodes is possible and easy.
Easily managed and maintained.
Error detection is easily done.
Heavily cabled.
Costly.
If more nodes are added maintenance is difficult.
Central hub fails, network fails.

HYBRID Topology:
It is two different types of topologies which is a mixture of two or more topologies. For example if in an office in one department ring topology is used and in another star topology is used, connecting these topologies will result in Hybrid Topology (ring topology and star topology).
It is a combination of two or topologies
Inherits the advantages and disadvantages of the topologies included
Reliable as Error detecting and trouble shooting is easy.
Effective.
Scalable as size can be increased easily.
Flexible.
Complex in design.
Costly.