4.4.3 Network design topology
The definition of the word topology states than
an item's topology defines its physicalappearance. In many ways a LAN's
topology is the same, it is representative of the LAN's physical appearance It
is determined by how transmission channels are used to connect networkdevices.
Typically, it refers to how the LAN is physically set up and the cabling
strategy beingused. It is acknowledged that topology is the foundation of a
LAN.
It should be pointed out that within the context of LANs, the
word topology takes on a dualmeaning. Both aspects are important to how the LAN
will function.
1. First, topology refers to the physical appearance of the LAN.
This is known as thephysical topology.
2. The second aspect refers to how the LAN functions. This
logical topology is determined by how the messages are transmitted from device
to device.
There are three fundamental topologies, star, bus and ring. From
these three, a number of hybrid topologies have developed, including tree,
star-wired ring, clustered star and hierarchical star.
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