Computer networks by transmission type
By their fundamental form, computer networks are classified by distance and by transmission. Below are the two classifications of computer networks based on transmission.
1. Broadcast
A broadcast network is a single communication channel shared by several devices connected to the same network. A packet is a small message sent by one machine to another.
The address field states who the packet is intended for. If the packet is addressed to a machine, it is processed immediately. If it is sent to another machine, the machine automatically ignores it.
2. Point-to-point
The second type is the point-to-point network, made up of individual pairs of connections from one device to another. To reach its destination address, a packet may need to pass through several intermediate machines.
As a result, packets often take many routes, which may differ in length. This is why routing algorithms play a major role in this type of network.
Computer network topologies
In this article, we cover several computer network topologies that are available and used in various activities.
1. Bus
A bus topology uses a single cable to which every workstation and server is connected. Advantage: when the network is expanded and a new workstation is added, the other workstations are not disrupted. Disadvantage: if the cable is damaged or cut, the entire network is disrupted.
2. Ring
A ring topology is formed when all devices are connected in a ring or circular pattern. Each workstation therefore receives information passed from one device to the next.
The advantage of a ring topology is that data collisions do not occur. The disadvantage is that if one node has a problem, the entire network is disrupted.
3. Star
A star topology is one in which each workstation has a path connected directly through a server or hub. Advantage: if one workstation fails, the rest of the network is not affected.
This is because each workstation has its own path or cable. The drawback of a star topology is its high cost, because it requires a lot of cabling.
4. Tree
A tree topology is a combination of star and bus topologies. It resembles the roots of a tree, where only the hubs connect directly to the tree's bus. Each hub serves as the root of the tree.
The advantages and disadvantages of a tree topology are the same as those of bus and star topologies. However, this hybrid tree network supports network expansion better.
5. Mesh
A mesh topology is often used where there must be no absolute break in communication between nodes in a computer network. Devices are connected directly to each other as long as they are on the same network.
The advantages of a mesh topology are faster communication between computers and better security. The disadvantage is the higher cost of providing cabling.
