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Network topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of devices and communication links in a computer network. It determines how devices are connected and how data is transmitted between them. The common types of network topologies are Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Tree, and Hybrid, each offering different advantages in terms of cost, reliability, scalability, and performance. Choosing the appropriate topology depends on the size, requirements, and purpose of the network.
Mainly scenario-based questions come from this topic.
Suppose you are working as a network administrator in an organization, and a job to redesign the network is assigned to you. You have the following requirements and constraints to design the network: i) The CEO, president, and vice president's computers are connected to each other. In this scenario, choose which topology is best suited and why. ii) The computer centers of the same organization have the requirement that every machine needs to be connected with each other. Sketch the topology for the same.
A defence organization is planning to have the network built for their newly constructed office. There are 3 scientists working on confidential projects. Each scientist has a team of 5 engineers. Sketch a suitable topology with justification.
A trading support centre employs 600 staff members. They have recently expanded and, as a result, need to move to a new building. A building has been identified but has no network. This means that before they move out, new network services need to be designed and implemented in the new building. The new building is expected to have three floors with two departments each, for example, the first floor (Sales and Marketing Department: 120 users expected, HR and Logistics: 120 users expected); the second floor (Finance and Accounts Department: 120 users expected, Admin and Public Relations Department: 120 users expected); and on the third floor (ICT: 120 users expected, Server Room: 12 devices expected). Therefore, as a member of the network design team, you have been asked to design a network for the new building by analysing the number of networking and internetworking devices required per floor. Then suggest the most appropriate topology focusing on scalability, security, and interconnectivity for an individual LAN design and to allow these LANs to connect to public Internet. ii) Show the complete network topology design.
A network uses a fully interconnected mesh topology to connect 10 nodes. Considering full-duplex mode links, calculate the number of total links required and the number of I/O ports required in each node.
On a university campus, there are three departments and each department is going to establish a computer lab. The requirements of each lab are listed below. Your task is to suggest the topology and give justification for selecting the topology in view of cost-effectiveness, reliability, and accessibility. Also, discuss the challenges present in the topology. Department 1: Totally 50 computers have to be connected. Each computer is connected to two others, forming a closed loop. Data has to travel in one direction. Department 2: The lab is situated in a narrow room space, so the network setup has to be with a single central cable running along the length of the lab, with each student's workstation connected to this cable via a short cable. Department 3: This is a research project lab with high-end computers and a printer. The data are so precious that if one device fails or a cable is damaged, the rest of the network should remain unaffected, ensuring uninterrupted service for other users. The financial implications are not a primary concern in this decision-making process.
A company wants to design a network for its new office building that spans four floors. The IT team needs to connect various departments such as finance, HR, and engineering located on different floors. The network must support high-speed internet access, secure communications, and the ability to handle large amounts of data being transferred within the office. The following requirements must be met: a) Each department should have its own dedicated segment to reduce traffic congestion. b) The network should be scalable to accommodate future expansions. c) Security is important, so there must be provisions for isolating departments and preventing unauthorized access to data. d) A wireless network should cover common areas like the lobby and cafeteria. Based on the scenario above, answer the following: i) What type of network topology would you recommend? Justify your choice. ii) Explain how VLANs (Virtual LANs) can help with security and traffic management in this network. iii) How would you implement a wireless network that ensures sufficient coverage and security in common areas? iv) Suggest methods to future-proof this network for scalability.