Basic topologies of local networks. Types of local networks and their device

Table of contents:

Basic topologies of local networks. Types of local networks and their device
Basic topologies of local networks. Types of local networks and their device
Anonim

Local area network is an important element of any modern enterprise, without which it is impossible to achieve maximum productivity. However, in order to take full advantage of the networking capabilities, they must be properly configured, also considering that the location of the connected computers will affect the performance of the LAN.

The concept of topology

The topology of local computer networks is the location of workstations and nodes relative to each other and their connection options. In fact, this is a LAN architecture. The placement of computers determines the technical characteristics of the network, and the choice of any kind of topology will affect:

  • Types and characteristics of network equipment.
  • Reliable and scalable LAN.
  • Local network management method.
LAN topologies
LAN topologies

There are many such options for the location of work nodes and ways to connect them, and their number increases in direct proportion to the increase in the number of connected computers. The main LAN topologies are star, bus, and ring.

Factors to consider when choosing a topology

Before you finally decide on the choice of topology, you need to take into account several features that affect the performance of the network. Based on them, you can choose the most suitable topology, analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each of them and correlating these data with the conditions available for installation.

topology of local computer networks
topology of local computer networks
  • The performance and he alth of each of the workstations connected to the LAN. Some kinds of LAN topology depend entirely on this.
  • Hardness of equipment (routers, adapters, etc.). Failure of network equipment can either completely disrupt the operation of the LAN or stop the exchange of information with one computer.
  • Reliability of the cable used. Damage to it disrupts the transmission and reception of data throughout the LAN or one of its segments.
  • Cable length limitation. This factor is also important when choosing a topology. If you don't have much cable, you can choose a layout that requires less cable.

About star topology

This type of workstation location has a dedicated center - a server to which all other computers are connected. It is through the server that data exchange processes take place. Therefore, his equipment must be more sophisticated.

Dignity:

  • The topology of local networks "star" compares favorably with others by the complete absence of conflicts in the LAN - this is achieved through centralized management.
  • A failure of one of the nodes or a cable damage will not have any effect on the network as a whole.
  • Having only two subscribers, main and peripheral, allows you to simplify network equipment.
  • The accumulation of connection points in a small radius simplifies the process of network control, and also improves its security by restricting access to outsiders.
star ethernet topology
star ethernet topology

Flaws:

  • Such a local network in the event of a failure of the central server becomes completely inoperable.
  • The star cost is higher than other topologies as the cable required is much larger.

Bus topology: simple and cheap

In this connection method, all workstations are connected to a single line - a coaxial cable, and data from one subscriber is sent to the rest in half-duplex exchange mode. Local area network topologies of this kind require the presence of a special terminator at each end of the bus, without which the signal is distorted.

Dignity:

  • All computers are equal.
  • Ability to easily scale the network even while it is running.
  • The failure of one node does not affect the others.
  • Cable consumption has been greatly reduced.
types of LAN topology
types of LAN topology

Flaws:

  • Insufficient network reliability due to problems with cable connectors.
  • Low performance due to channel sharing between all subscribers.
  • Difficult to control and troubleshoot with adapters connected in parallel.
  • The length of the communication line is limited, because these types of LAN topologies are used only for a small number of computers.

Characteristics of the ring topology

This type of connection involves the connection of the working node with two others, data is received from one of them, and transmitted to the second. The main feature of this topology is that each terminal acts as a repeater, eliminating the possibility of signal attenuation in the LAN.

Dignity:

  • Quickly create and configure this LAN topology.
  • Easy scaling, however, requires the network to be shut down while the new node is installed.
  • A large number of possible subscribers.
  • Congestion tolerance and no network conflicts.
  • The ability to increase the network to a huge size by relaying the signal between computers.
basic LAN topologies
basic LAN topologies

Flaws:

  • Unreliability of the network as a whole.
  • Not immune to cable faults, so a parallel redundant line is usually provided.
  • High cable consumption.

Types of local networks

The choice of LAN topology should also be made based on the type of LAN available. The network can be represented by two models: peer-to-peer and hierarchical. They do not differ much in functionality, which allows you to switch from one to another if necessary. However, there are still a few differences between them.

As for the peer-to-peer model, its use is recommended in situations where the possibility of organizing a large network is not available, but the creation of some kind of communication system is still necessary. It is recommended to create it only for a small number of computers. Communication with centralized management is commonly used in various enterprises to control workstations.

Peer-to-peer network

This type of LAN means equal rights for each workstation, distributing data between them. Access to information stored on a node can be allowed or denied by its user. As a rule, in such cases, the topology of local computer networks "bus" will be the most suitable.

the local network
the local network

A peer-to-peer network means that workstation resources are available to other users. This means the ability to edit a document from one computer while working on another, print remotely and run applications.

Advantages of peer-to-peer LAN type:

  • Ease of implementation, installation and maintenance.
  • Small financial cost. This model eliminates the need to purchase an expensive server.

Flaws:

  • Network performance decreases in proportion to the increase in the number of connected worker nodes.
  • There is no unified security system.
  • Information accessibility: when you turn off your computer, the data in it will become inaccessible to others.
  • There is no single infobase.

Hierarchical model

The most commonly used LAN topologies are based on this type of LAN. It is also called "client-server". The essence of this model is that in the presence of a certain number of subscribers, there is one main element - the server. This control computer stores and processes all data.

Dignity:

  • Great network performance.
  • One reliable security system.
  • One infobase common to all.
  • Easier management of the entire network and its elements.

Flaws:

  • The need for a special personnel unit - an administrator who monitors and maintains the server.
  • High financial cost to purchase a host computer.

The most commonly used configuration (topology) of a local computer network in a hierarchical model is a "star".

configuration topology local computer network
configuration topology local computer network

The choice of topology (the layout of network equipment and workstations) is an extremely important point when organizing a local network. The selected type of connection should ensure the most efficient and safe operation of the LAN. It is also important to pay attention to financial costs and the possibility of further expansion of the network. Finding a rational solution is not an easy task, which is accomplished through careful analysis and a responsible approach. It is in this case that properly selected topologies of local networks will ensure maximum performance of the entire LAN as a whole.

Recommended: