Network Topolgies

The Star Topology is widely favored in real-time networks for its centralized management, fault isolation, and scalability. Its use of a central hub or switch simplifies network operations and ensures reliability across diverse environments.

1. Bus Topology:
   • Pros:
     • Simple and inexpensive to implement.
     • Requires less cabling than other topologies.
   • Cons:
     • Susceptible to cable failures, which can disrupt the entire network.
     • Limited scalability and performance as the number of devices increases.
2. Star Topology:
   • Pros:
     • Centralized management and easy troubleshooting.
     • Fault isolation, as a failure in one device does not affect others.
   • Cons:
     • Dependent on the central hub/switch, which can become a single point of failure.
     • Requires more cabling than bus topology.
3. Ring Topology:
   • Pros:
     • Provides equal access to all devices and uniform data transmission.
     • Offers fault tolerance, as data can travel in both directions around the ring.
   • Cons:
     • A failure in one device or cable segment can disrupt the entire network.
     • Limited scalability and difficult troubleshooting due to the closed-loop configuration.
4. Mesh Topology:
   • Pros:
     • High reliability and fault tolerance due to redundant paths.
     • Offers excellent scalability and performance in large networks.
   • Cons:
     • Requires significant cabling and configuration effort, making it expensive to implement.
     • Complex to manage and troubleshoot, especially as the network size increases.
5. Hybrid Topology:
   • Pros:
     • Combines the advantages of multiple topologies to meet diverse network requirements.
     • Offers flexibility and scalability to accommodate changing network needs.
   • Cons:
     • Can be complex to design, implement, and manage.
     • Requires careful planning to ensure compatibility and interoperability between different topology components.