Network Types

There are three main types of networks: Bus, Ring and Star:

Bus

• All devices are connected on a common cable
• The wire is terminated at each end and is not allowed to form a closed loop
• Easy to implement and extend, quick to setup for temporary networks and is less expensive than other networks
• Difficult to administer, and can be slow. A break in the cable will down t.he whole network, as will a downed node

Ring

• Devices are connected in a closed loop
• If one node goes down then the network is unable to function, also if a computer needs to be added then the network needs to be closed temporarily
• Files travel slower because they have to travel through every node on the way to their destination

Star

• All nodes are connected to a central one that has control
• Easy to add and change nodes without disturbing the rest of the network
• No problems with data collision as all nodes are individually connected
• Limited cabnle length limits numbers of nodes to be connected, and failure of the central node will down the whole network