• It is the arrangement with which computer network devices or systems are connected to each other.
• The topologies divided into two types they are physical and logical topology.
• It can be also simply defined as a schematic description of a network’s elements’ arrangement.
• Physical network topology illustrates the physical connections within your network while logical network topology illustrates how data flows between your network’s devices, such as its computers and cables.
• Visual diagrams can be used to represent physical and logical topologies, depending on your needs—either can be useful for understanding your network and its layout.
• There are several types of network topology, they are

1. 1. Bus topology
   2. Ring topology
   3. Tree topology
   4. Star topology
   5. Mesh topology
   6. Hybrid topology

Bus topology

• In network it consists of one continuous length of cable that is shared by all the nodes.
• At each end it has a terminating resistor that absorbs the signal when it reaches the end of line.

Ring topology

• In this topology each node has two neighboring nodes.
• From one neighboring data packet is received and transmitted to the next.
• The data travels like ring structure in one direction so that it is called as ring topology.

Star topology

• Directly each node connected to a central network hub or concentrator.
• Before continuing data passes through hub or concentrator.
• All functions of network control and managed by hub or concentrator.

Tree topology

• This type topology combines the characteristics of linear Star and Bus topology. It inverted like tree structure.
• It consists of groups of star-configured workstations connected to a linear bus backbone cable.

Mesh topology

• In mesh topology each computer is connected to another computer through network.
• This topology has hosts which are in point-to-point connection to few hosts only or hosts in point-to-point connection with every other host.

Hybrid topology

• It is an integration of two or more different topologies to form a resultant topology.
• Hybrid topology inherits demerits and merits of all incorporating topologies.
• The combining topologies may contain attributes of Ring, Star, Daisy-chain and Bus topologies.