What is the difference between Mesh, Bus, Ring and Star topologies? Bus topology advantages are the cable is inexpensive, simple to understand and easily to extend. Bus disadvantages are difficult to troubleshoot, increase network traffic decrease network performance and limited physical length. Star topology is configured in the shape of a star. The advantages of a Star are failure of a computer will not stop the network, easy troubleshooting, easy to add additional computer to the network. Star disadvantages are expensive cable between each computer and if the hub fails the network will stop. Ring topology is in the shape of a ring the advantages of ring are the equal opportunities for all computers to transmit data, simple installation and no degradation of signal. The disadvantages are failure of any node stops the network; distance is limited and networked must be stop to add new connection. Mesh is a network topology that uses redundant links to connect the network. Mesh uses all the advantages of all of the other topology list above (academic.regis.edu). The disadvantage are difficult to troubleshoot and difficult to maintain. .
2. What is the difference between Ethernet, Token ring, FIDDI and wireless? Ethernet standards described how to provide traffic flow over the network and how to layout a network so to assure there is sufficient energy to send packets to every segment of the node. Ethernet advantages are simple to install, inexpensive fast. The disadvantages are limited distance difficult to troubleshoot. Token ring is an electronic envelope that does not contain data and is passed to each node on the network. Token ring advantages are fast and reliable. The disadvantages are expensive and difficult to troubleshoot (academic.regis.edu). FIDDI is a fast long distance highway that supports up to 100 MBPS up to 62 miles and are often used to back bone smaller network together.
