Network Configurations

Teach Me

Networks are often described by their topology — the way in which the nodes of the network are physically connected together.

In a bus topology, all nodes are joined along a shared connection. One problem with a bus topology is that there is no central management of data transmissions. If multiple nodes send data transmissions at the same instant, the data can "collide". Too many data collisions at once, and the network goes down. This problem can be overcome by using Ethernet for the physical connections in the network (see the Tell Me More in What is a Network? for additional information on Ethernet).

In a star topology, a hub is placed in the center of the network, and each node connects to the hub individually. No single node's connection to the hub is affected by any other node. However, if the hub goes down, the entire network becomes inoperable.

In a ring topology, all the nodes are connected one-to-another in a circle, so the last node is connected to the first (completing the circle). There is no danger of data collisions, because data only moves in one direction. However, if the connection goes down at any point, the circle is broken and the network become inoperable.


  • Peer-to-peer networks, including home networks, use a bus topology — there is no central server or hub required.
  • Most LANs use a bus or star topology. A bus topology is less expensive and easier to setup than a star topology. Larger or more complex LANs with a central file server usually opt for a star topology for its increased efficiency and reliability.
  • Ring networks are most commonly used for WANs where most of the nodes operating independently and only occasionally require connection to other nodes.

Show Me

The network's topology determines how data moves between nodes: