Network Topologies

Network Topology refers to the shape of network or the network's layout. How different nodes in a network are connected to each other and how they communicate is determined by the network's topology. Two network have the same topology if the connection configuration is the same, although the network may differ in physical interconnections, distances between nodes, transmissions rates and /or signal types.

There are two types of topology: physical and logical.

• The physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables, computers and other peripherals.
• Logical topology is the method used to pass the information between workstations.