Bus topology

Bus Topology is a specific type of network topology in which all the network nodes are connected to a common communication line known as a bus. This topology is used in various types of networks, including Local Area Networks (LANs) and Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).

Overview

In a bus topology, each node on the network is connected to a single cable, known as the bus. Data transmitted from any node travels along the bus and can be received by all other nodes. However, only the node to which the data is addressed processes the data.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Bus topology has several advantages. It is easy to set up and extend, and it requires less cable than other topologies, making it a cost-effective choice for small networks. However, it also has several disadvantages. The entire network will fail if the main cable fails or if the network is overloaded. Additionally, as more nodes are added, the network's performance can slow down.

Types of Bus Topology

There are two main types of bus topology: linear bus and distributed bus. In a linear bus, all nodes are connected to the bus in a straight line. In a distributed bus, the bus is branched so that nodes can be connected in multiple directions.

See Also

• Network topology
• Star topology
• Ring topology
• Mesh topology
• Tree topology

References

• Computer Networks
• Data Communications and Networking