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What is network topology

The term network topology is used to denote the arrangement of the network devices in a computer network. Network topology may be used to show physical or logical arrangement of devices inside a computer network.

A network topology diagram allows a network engineer to visualize how the devices are connected in the network. Network topology diagrams thus helps a network engineer to maintain and troubleshoot the network.

As a network engineer, you should know some of the common network topologies. Some of the common network topologies are bus topology, star topology, ring topology, dual ring topology, fully-mesh topology, partially mesh topology, hybrid topology, point-to-point topology and tree topology.

Following images shows some important network topology layouts

Bus topology

bus-topology-layout.jpg

Click the following link to learn more about Bus topology.

Star topology

star-topology-layout.jpg

Click the following link to learn more about Star topology.

Ring topology

ring-topology-layout.jpg

Click the following link to learn more about Ring topology.

Full mesh topology

full-mesh-topology-layout.jpg

Click the following link to learn more about Full-mesh topology.

Partial mesh topology

partial-mesh-topology-layout.jpg

Click the following link to learn more about Partial-mesh topology.

Hybrid topology

hybrid-topology-layout.jpg

Click the following link to learn more about Hybrid topology.

Tree topology

tree-topology-layout.jpg

Click the following link to learn more about Tree topology.

Click the following link to view different icons used to represent different devices in network diagrams.

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