Network Topology

Topology describes the method used to do the physical wiring of the network. The three topologies are:

1. Bus - Both ends of the network must be terminated with a terminator. A barrel connector can be used to extend it. Computers are connected to the main cable in a line.
2. Star - All devices revolve around a central hub, which is what controls the network communications, and can communicate with other hubs. Range limits are about 100 meters from the hub.
3. Ring - Devices are connected from one to another, as in a ring. A data token is used to grant permission for each computer to communicate.

Many times these topologies are combined on a network to form a star-ring for token ring, or a star-bus.

Types of Transmission

1. Baseband - Data bits are defined by discrete signal changes.
2. Broadband - Uses analog signals to divide the cable into several channels with each channel at its own frequency. Each channel can only transmit one direction.