There are two basic categories of network topologies
physical topologies
The interconnected structure of a local area network.
logical topologies
How devises are connected to the network trough the actual cables that transmit data , or the physical structure of the network.
The physical topology of a network is determined by the capabilities of the network access devices
and media, the level of control or fault tolerance desired, and the cost associated with cabling or
telecommunications circuits.
The logical topology in contrast, is the way that the signals act on 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.
Ring Topology
In a ring network, every device has exactly two neighbors for communication purposes. A failure
in any cable or device breaks the loop and can take down the entire network.
Bus topology
A single cable, the backbone functions as a shared communication medium that devices attach or
tap into with an interface connector.
Star Topology
Tree topologies integrate multiple star topologies together onto a bus. In its simplest form, only
hub devices connect directly to the tree bus, and each hub functions as the root of a tree of
devices.
Tree Topology
Tree topologies integrate multiple star topologies together onto a bus. In its simplest form, only
hub devices connect directly to the tree bus, and each hub functions as the root of a tree of
devices.