1. What is meant by Network topology along with different network models?

Ans. Network topology is referred to as a layout, structure of how various

nodes or devices etc. connect physically in a network and how they
communicate with each other. Various forms of topology are:
a. Bus topology: simplest of the network topologies, where every node
connects via single cable connection using interface connectors. The
primary cable is the backbone of the entire network and is known as the
BUS. The signal from the host machine travels in both direction
throughout the entire network till it reaches the intended recipient or
node. Terminators are placed at the central cable to prevent bouncing
signals. The signal is discarded by machines or nodes that do not have the
intended MAC /IP address.

b. Star Topology: In this topology all components connects to a central

component called the hub, this could be a hub, router or even a switch.
These connections are point-to-point connections i.e. each component is
indirectly connected to the other. All the data transfer in the star topology
passes through the central hub before reaching the intended destination.
The hub also manages and controls the network apart from providing
connectivity to the various nodes. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Ethernet
cable is used to connect workstations to the central node or hub.

c. Ring Topology: As the name suggests, it a topology which forms a close

loop ring in which each computer is connected to another with the last
one in the network connected to the first. Each computer has exactly two
neighbors. Data travels in one direction (sending and receiving) with
assistance of token. Token is sent along with the data from the sender and
when it passes through the next node it checks for the intended recipient.
It does find the intended one the data is received and an empty token is
passed into the network. If not, it then passes the data and the token to
the next one.

d. Mesh Topology: In this topology every node, computer and other devices
are interconnected with another in a network. Here every node not only
sends its own signal but also passes on ones from other nodes. This
topology is very expensive as there are redundant connections. There are
two types of Mesh Topology; full mesh and partial mesh topology.

e. Tree Topology: A network technology that can be summed up as one

with characteristics of both linear bus and star topologies. Here a group of
star networks are connected using a single bus. This main bus seems to
be the main stem of a tree connecting other branches (star network). It is
also called an expanded star topology. Ethernet protocol is commonly
used in this type of topology.

f.

Hybrid Topology: Commonly used in Wide Area Networks, as its name

suggests is a combination to 2 things. First being advantages of two or
more topologies like the bus, star, mesh, or tree and secondly its
weaknesses to create a resultant topology. Point to note is that
combination of similar topologies does not constitute of a Hybrid topology.