Network topology

Computer network topology is the way various components of a network (like nodes, links, peripherals, etc) are arranged. Network topologies define the layout, virtual shape or structure of network, not only physically but also logically. The way in which different systems and nodes are connected and communicate with each other is determined by topology of the network. Topology can be physical or logical. Physical Topology is the physical layout of nodes, workstations and cables in the network; while logical topology is the way information flows between different components.

There are two basic categories of network topologies:-
* Physical Topologies
* Logical Topologies

Physical Topologies
The cabling layout used to link devices is the physical topology of the network. This refers to the layout of cabling, the locations of nodes, and the interconnections between the nodes and the cabling.

Logical Topologies
The logical topology is the way that the signals transmits in the network media, or the way that the data passes through the network from one device to the next without regard to the physical interconnection of the devices. A network's logical topology is not necessarily the same as its physical topology.

Types of Network Topologies :-
1. Point-to-point
2. Bus
3. Star
4. Ring
5. Mesh
6. Tree
7. Hybrid
8. Daisy chain