Network models
The method of connecting computers so that they can exchange data and information is called network modules. We can maintain these as wireless networks as well as wired networks. There are mainly 3 types of network modules. Now let’s see what they are.
1.Peer to peer
2.Client server network
3.Virtual private network
Now let’s talk about these modules separately
Peer to peer
A network created by connecting two or more devices like computers / laptops is called a peer to peer network. In this case, every computer device is connected in a decentralized manner (computers are connected to each other) so it is correct. In this network, any device can work as a server computer as well as a client computer. And in this case, every computer/laptop is connected with other computers/laptops in the network. A network device like a switch/hub is often used for that.
A specially designed operating system is not required in a peer to peer network. Because, in this every device can work as a server computer as well as a client computer. Therefore, the cost of expensive servers is lost. Also, a special team is not needed to manage the network. That is why these things can be considered as advantages of a peer to peer network.
Now let’s see what are the disadvantages of a peer to peer network. We talked earlier that every computer device in a peer to peer network is connected in a decentralized manner. Then every computer device in the network will be able to control the other device. Therefore, the efficiency of the network decreases. Also, because files and folders are not stored centrally, it becomes quite difficult to work together with computer devices. Similarly, due to the actions of one user, harmful things like viruses can spread in the network as well as to other computer devices.
Client server network
In a client server network, a central client (server computer) has been assigned to match this network. In this case, the server computer provides the relevant services according to the requests made by the client computers. Because a server computer is used in the client server network, the efficiency has increased a lot. And printers, scanners can be done easily. The biggest disadvantage of the client server network is that it costs a lot.
Virtual private network
A connection used for a personal computer with a common network like the Internet can be called a VPN or a virtual private network. Most of the time, networks like this are used for personal use in homes as well as to communicate with each section of the company.
Network Topologies
When designing a computer network, the method to logically and physically connect computer devices is called network topology. According to Network Topologies, there are 6 main topologies types.
- Bus Topology
- Star Topology
- Ring Topology
- Mesh Topology
- Tree Topology
- Hybrid Topology
Now let’s talk about these Network Topologies.
Bus Topology
In Bus Topology, the network is designed by connecting the computer device to the main cable. Also, there are 2 terminators on both sides of the main cable. In a network like this, when a message is sent from one device, every device connected to the network receives that message. Similarly, when a message from one device is transmitted on the network, messages cannot be sent to another device at that time.
If you look at the advantages of Bus Topology, you can easily build the topology. Fewer wires are used. That’s why the cost is low. If we talk about the disadvantages of this topology, if the main cable is disabled, the entire network will be disabled. Also, even if there is an error in the network, it becomes difficult to detect it. We talked earlier that in this topology, there are 2 terminators on both sides of the main cable. This costs a lot. Likewise, when a message is sent from one device, every device connected to the network will receive that message, so the efficiency will decrease.
Star Topology
Everything that can be connected to the network using a deceive hub or a switch and designed as a star topology is called star topology. Nowadays Hodak uses a switch for this. If you use a hub, messages sent from one device will go to all devices on the network through the hub. You can use a switch and send messages only to the corresponding deceive. Therefore, using a switch becomes efficient.
Building models in Star Topology is very easy. Also, adding new devices and removing existing devices can be done easily. Network errors can be found quickly. If we talk about the disadvantages of this topology, we have to use more cables than Bus Topology. Similarly, if the Switch or the Hub is disabled, the entire network will be disabled. Not only that, if it is disabled, it will cost a lot.
Ring Topology
The method of connecting the computer device as a ring is called ring topology. In this case, the computer device is connected to the computer on both sides. In Ring Topology, data is transmitted only to one side. Therefore, the speed of data transmission has increased a lot. Similarly, in the ring topology, a protocol called token ring is used to transmit data. The biggest disadvantage of Ring Topology is that if one device or an error occurs, the entire network will be down.
Mesh Topology
A network in which all the devices in the network can be directly connected to each other is called Mesh Topology. Data can be transmitted fast in this topology. And that’s why the network crashes are very less. Since the computers are connected to each other, it does not matter if the network cables are disabled. If we talk about the disadvantages of this topology, it becomes a bit difficult to manage and repair the network. And it costs a lot.
Tree Topology
The topology designed like the branches of a tree is called tree topology. In this topology, because the branches are divided, it has been possible to control them separately. But if the main line is disabled, all the branch networks connected to it will also be disabled. Also, it becomes quite difficult to set up and maintain a network like this. Not only that, it also costs a lot.
Hybrid Topology
A network that connects two or more topologies like bus topology, star topology, ring topology, mesh topology, tree topology, which we talked about earlier, is called Hybrid Topology. When using a topology like this, if there is an error in the network, we can change only that part and use the other parts normally. However, it becomes quite difficult to set up and maintain a network like this. Not only that, it also costs a lot.
Now you must have got a good idea about network models and network topologies. Let’s talk about something as important as this in the next article.
