The Most Popular Network Topology, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the network topology you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 9, 2024 06:46
In the dynamic world of networking, understanding the preferences and effectiveness of different topologies helps professionals enhance system efficiency. Knowing which configuration leads in popularity guides newcomers towards proven solutions and supports seasoned experts in validating their choices. This setup fosters a community-driven approach to recognizing and adopting optimal structures in various operational environments.
Here, users have the unique opportunity to contribute their insights by voting for the topology that has proved most effective in their respective scenarios. Each vote helps shape a continuously updated leaderboard that reflects current trends and community preferences. This dynamic ranking keeps everyone informed about which network designs are currently achieving the best balance of performance, reliability, and scalability.
What Is the Most Popular Network Topology?
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156votes
WDGraham · Public domainThis is the most popular topology in today's networks as it is easy to set up and maintain. Each device is connected to a central hub or switch, which helps in the management of the network.Star Topology is a network topology in which all devices in a network are connected to a central hub or switch. Each device communicates directly with the hub, and the hub manages the flow of data between all the devices. It is one of the most popular and widely used network topologies due to its simplicity and scalability.- Centralized Control: A central hub or switch controls the data flow between devices.
- Scalability: Additional devices can easily be added to the network by connecting them to the central hub.
- Easy Troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving issues is relatively straightforward as each device is connected separately.
- Efficient Performance: Since data travels directly between the device and the central hub, it allows for efficient communication.
- Isolation: Any issues with a device will not affect the functionality of other devices in the network.
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229votes
snickerdo · CC BY-SA 3.0This topology is used in small networks, where all devices are connected to a single cable. It is cost-effective, but the failure of the main cable can result in the failure of the entire network.Bus Topology is a type of network topology where all devices are connected to a common cable called a bus. The bus acts as a shared communication medium through which data is transmitted.- Simplicity: Bus Topology is easy to set up and maintain.
- Cost-effective: It requires less cabling compared to other topologies, making it cost-effective.
- Scalability: It can easily accommodate new devices by adding them to the bus.
- Flexibility: Devices can be added, removed, or moved around the bus without affecting the network.
- Ease of troubleshooting: Identifying faults and resolving issues is relatively straightforward in a bus network.
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311votesThis topology connects all devices in a circular manner, where each device is connected to two other devices. It is used in small networks, but the failure of a single device can affect the entire network.Ring Topology is a network configuration where devices are connected in a circular layout, forming a closed loop. Each device is connected to its adjacent devices, creating a continuous pathway for data transmission.
- Data Transmission Direction: Unidirectional
- Communication: Token Passing
- Node Connections: Each node connects to exactly two neighboring nodes
- Network Stability: High redundancy and fault tolerance
- Data Transmission Speed: Depends on the number of nodes in the network
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419votes
Mesh Topology
Paul BaranThis topology connects all devices to each other, creating multiple paths for data to travel. It is used in large networks, where redundancy and reliability are important, as the failure of a single device will not affect the entire network.Mesh topology is a network configuration where each device is connected to every other device in the network. It provides redundant connections between devices, resulting in high fault tolerance and increased reliability. In a mesh topology, data can be transmitted directly between any two devices without relying on a central node.- Number of Connections: Each device is connected to every other device in the network.
- Redundancy: Provides redundant connections between devices for fault tolerance.
- Reliability: High reliability due to multiple paths for data transmission.
- Scalability: Can easily accommodate new devices without affecting the existing connections.
- Flexibility: Allows for dynamic changes in the network without disrupting communication.
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525votesThis topology is a combination of two or more topologies. It is used in large networks, where different parts of the network have different requirements.Hybrid Topology is a network topology that combines two or more different network topologies to form a single network. It aims to leverage the strengths and overcome the limitations of individual topologies.
- Scalability: Can scale well to support large networks
- Redundancy: Provides redundancy and fault tolerance in case of failures
- Flexibility: Allows for a flexible and customizable network design
- Performance: Can deliver high performance by combining the advantages of different topologies
- Security: Can enhance network security by implementing multiple layers of protection
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617votesThis topology is similar to the star topology, but it allows for the creation of multiple subnetworks. It is used in large networks, where scalability and organization are important.
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715votes
Conversion to svg: CheCheDaWaff Original: Oleg Alexandrov · CC0Point-to-Point Topology
Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)This topology connects two devices directly to each other, creating a dedicated link between them. It is used in small networks, where only two devices need to communicate with each other.Point-to-Point Topology is a network topology in which two nodes are directly connected by a communication link.- Connectivity: Directly connected nodes
- Link Type: Point-to-Point
- Number of Nodes: Two
- Data Transmission: Bidirectional
- Communication Link: Dedicated physical or virtual link
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88votesThis topology connects all devices to each other, creating a fully connected network. It is used in small networks, where all devices need to communicate with each other.The Fully Connected topology, also known as the Complete Graph topology, is a network configuration in which all nodes are directly connected to every other node. Each node has a direct link with all other nodes in the network.
- Number of Nodes: n
- Number of Links: n * (n - 1) / 2
- Scalability: Difficult to scale due to the exponential increase in links and latency
- Redundancy: High redundancy as multiple paths are available between any pair of nodes
- Latency: Low latency due to direct links
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98votesThis topology is a combination of the star and bus topologies. It is used in large networks, where multiple subnetworks need to be connected to each other.Star-bus topology is a hybrid network topology that combines features of both star and bus topologies. In this topology, multiple star networks are connected together in a bus configuration.
- Flexibility: Allows easy addition or removal of devices.
- Scalability: Can support a large number of devices.
- Fault tolerance: Failure of one star network does not affect the rest of the network.
- Easy troubleshooting: Issues with individual star networks can be isolated and resolved separately.
- Centralized management: Central hub controls the flow of communication.
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105votesThis topology connects multiple servers together to create a high-performance, high-availability cluster. It is used in large networks, where high availability and scalability are important.
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Ranking factors for popular network topology
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ScalabilityThe ability of the network topology to accommodate growth in the number of devices and users without affecting its performance or requiring significant reconfiguration of the network.
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ReliabilityThe network topology should be able to continue functioning effectively even when a single node or communication link fails. Redundancy is an important factor to consider for ensuring reliability.
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CostThe total cost of implementation, maintenance, and operation of the network should be considered while selecting a topology. This includes costs of cabling, devices, and labor involved in setting up and managing the network.
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PerformanceThe overall performance of the network, including its speed, latency, and throughput, is a significant factor in ranking network topologies. The chosen topology should be able to handle the traffic and workload without any performance degradation.
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Ease of installation and managementThe complexity of setting up and managing the network should be taken into account when choosing a topology. Less complex topologies are generally easier to maintain, troubleshoot, and upgrade.
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SecurityA secure network topology should prevent unauthorized access and limit the potential impact of security breaches. Consider the topology's vulnerability to various security risks and its ability to isolate and protect critical resources.
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FlexibilityThe network topology should be able to adapt to changes in requirements, such as the addition or removal of devices, and should support various communication protocols and networking technologies.
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Bandwidth requirementsA topology should be chosen based on the amount of bandwidth required to support the applications and services that will be deployed across the network. Some topologies are better suited for high-bandwidth or low-latency applications.
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Physical layoutThe physical layout of the building or space where the network will be deployed should be taken into account when choosing a topology, as it affects the cable lengths, the number of devices needed, and the ease of installation and maintenance.
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Compatibility with existing infrastructureIf existing network infrastructure is already in place, the chosen topology should be compatible with the existing devices, cabling, and architecture to minimize the cost and complexity of integrating the new network.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular network topology. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or topology is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2031 views
- 193 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each topology once every 24 hours. The rank of each topology is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular network topology
Network topology refers to the arrangement of the various elements in a computer network. The topology of a network can greatly affect its performance and reliability. There are several different types of network topologies, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular network topologies include the bus, star, ring, and mesh topologies. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each topology can help network administrators choose the best option for their specific needs. In this article, we will explore the most popular network topologies and discuss their key features and benefits.
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