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Bus, Star and Ring Networks
Network topologies (ways in which computers are arranged in a network)
Bus

Each computer is linked to a bus (cable) and there are terminators at each end of the bus. Less cabling but can be slow if there are a large number of users.
Star


Star Network

All computers are connected to a central computer (file server). The disadvantage is that if this file server breaks down then all the computers are affected.
Ring


Token Ring Network

'Tokens' of data are passed round the ring (in one direction only) and collected by the receiving computer. A faster system and it is easier to add more computers.

 
Exercise : Bus, Star and Ring Networks
In a network, the computers are all linked to a central (more powerful) computer. If this computer breaks down, then all computers are affected.

In a network, the computers are joined to each other in a 'ring'. Data is sent round this ring as 'tokens' and collected by the receiving computer. Faster than other types of network and easy to add more computers.

In a network, the computers are linked to a single line of cable. It uses less cable but can be slow if there are a lot of users.

 
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