A mesh network is a local area network (LAN) topology with two possible connection schemes, full and partial mesh. In a full mesh setup, each workstation or device is connected to each of the other devices in the network by a cable. In a partial mesh layout, nodes, or devices are only networked with those systems in which is exchanges the most amount of data. It is recommended for a small network because of the expense associated with cables and the connections. One of the major advantages to this topology is that if one workstation or device is not operating, all of the other connections can still communication with each other. Setup is similar to the first telecommunications systems. .
Star Network.
A star network is a local area network (LAN) topology where the different workstations or devices are connected through a central hub or computer. There is a central controller that is responsible for the data flow between nodes. If there is a failure at the workstation or the cable that connects it to the network, only that workstation will be isolated from the rest of the network; all other nodes are capable of communication with each other. If the central computer goes down, data can not be exchanged between workstation and the entire network essentially fails. This layout is similar to the when they implemented a central office to the telecommunications system. .
Bus Network.
A bus network is a local area network (LAN) topology is where each workstation or node is connected to a single cable. This main cable or link is known as a bus and the connecting point is known as the tap. The advantage of these network setups is like that of the mesh style - if one of the workstations fails, the remaining network connections are able to communicate with each other. The offer a high degree of flexibility. Along the lines of a star network, though, if there is a disruption in the bus line, the entire network goes down.
