Networking Fundamentals

Network Topologies - Mapping It All Out

Which network topology should you use for a small business? What about for a large enterprise? Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to networks. There is too much disparity between the types of equipment each organization has. A large business may update their hardware on a regular basis, thereby keeping up with newer technology, whereas a smaller business may not update theirs for 5 to 10 years. With the speed at which technology develops, there will be vast differences in that time frame.

This chapter will describe common network topologies in use today and when they can be used. It highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each topology. It is important for all network engineers ...