#Network_topology: mesh, star, tree, bus, and ring

Network topology is a very important concept in the design of computer networks (interconnection of nodes). It is for this reason that it is essential to know the different types of network topology, such as mesh, star, tree, bus and ring since these define the way in which computers are connected to each other, and that is what that we are going to describe in a simple way in this article.

Network topologies concept
The network topology is nothing other than the way computers connect to exchange data with each other. It is like a communication family, which defines how the network is going to be designed both physically and logically.

In short, it is the way in which we are going to lay the wiring that will connect to the computers that are part of a network.

Types of network topology:
Depending on the distribution we have in mind for the design of a network, a specific type of topology will be used. Among the main network topologies we have the following:

Ring Topology:

It is a type of simple network topology, where the workstations or computers are connected to each other in the form of a ring, that is, they form a circle between them. The information travels in one direction, therefore, if a node stops working, the network goes down or stops supplying information to the other computers that are within the ring, therefore, it is not very effective.

Tree Topology:

This type of network topology is one of the simple. As its name implies, the connections between the nodes (terminals or computers) are arranged in the shape of a tree, with a point and a base. It is similar to the star topology and is based directly on the bus topology. If a node fails, there are no problems between subsequent nodes. It has a main cable called Backbone, which carries communication to all nodes in the network, sharing the same communication channel.

Bus topology:

The Bus topology is based on a central cable, which carries the information to all the computers on the network, in the form of branches, so that the information travels sequentially to the nodes of the network. Its disadvantage is based on its sequential distribution of data, so if the central cable is interrupted, the network becomes unusable. Currently, it is very little used.

Star Topology:

Here the distribution of information goes from a central point or Host to all destinations or nodes in the network. Today, it is widely used for its efficiency and simplicity. You can see that the Host does all the work (a kind of local server that manages shared services and information). Of course, it has the advantage that if a node fails, the network will continue working without inconvenience, although it depends on the operation of the Host.

Mesh Topology:

This Mesh topology is defined as a frame topology. It is an arrangement of the interconnection of nodes (terminals) with each other, making the figure of a mesh or frame. It is a widely used topology between WAN or wide area networks. Its importance is that the information can travel in different ways so that if a node fails, it is possible to continue exchanging information without any problem between the nodes.

Hybrid Topology:

As its name implies, it is a combination of two or more different network topologies, to adapt the network to the customer's needs. In this way, we can combine the topologies we want, obtaining infinite varieties, which must be adjusted to the physical structure of the place where the network will be and the equipment that will be connected in said network.