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Computer Networks Logical and physical topologies

Physical Versus Logical Topologies Building a reliable and scalable network depends on the physical and logical topology.Topology def ines the interconnection method used between devices including the layout of the cabling and the primary and backup paths used in data transmissions. As previously mentioned, each type of network has both a physical and a logical topology. Physical Topologies T he physical topology of a network ref ers to the physical layout of the devices and cabling. You must match the appropriate physical topology to the type of cabling that will be installed. T heref ore, understanding the type of cabling used is important to understanding each type of physical topology. Here are the three primary categories of physical topologies: Bus: Computers and other network devices are cabled together in a line. Ring: Computers and other network devices are cabled together with the last device connected to the f irst to f orm a circle, or ring. T his category includes both ring and dual-ring topologies. Star: A central cabling device connects the computers and other network devices. T his category includes both star and extended-star topologies.

Logical Topologies T he logical topology of a network ref ers to the logical paths that the signals use to travel f rom one point on the network to anotherthat is, the way in which data accesses the network media and transmits packets across it.T he physical and logical topologies of a network can be the same. For example, in a network physically shaped as a linear bus, the data travels along the length of the cable. T heref ore, the network has both a physical bus topology and a logical bus topology. On the other hand, a network can have quite dif f erent physical and logical topologies. For example, a physical topology in the shape of a star, in which cable segments connect all computers to a central hub, can have a logical ring topology. Remember that in a ring, the data travels f rom one computer to the next, and inside the hub, the wiring connections are such that the signal actually travels around in a circle f rom one port to the next, creating a logical ring. T heref ore, you cannot always predict how data travels in a network simply by observing its physical layout. Star topology is by f ar the most common implementation of LANs today. Ethernet uses a logical bus topology in either a physical bus or a physical star. An Ethernet hub is an example of a physical star topology with a logical bus topology.