Network Topologies

There are different layouts of computer networks. The topological structure of a network, either physical or logical is known as network topology. 

Network topologies are basically divided into the following:

• Physical topologies
• Logical topologies

Physical topology is referred to the way a network's different components, devices cables are placed or installed. Logical topology refers to the data flows within a network, regardless of its physical design. Logical topologies are often closely associated with Media Access Control methods and protocols.

There are eight basic physical layouts of networks:

• Point-to-point
• Bus
• Star
• Ring or circular
• Mesh
• Tree
• Hybrid
• Daisy chain

Data Communication/Networks

Today, data communications and networking are the fastest growing technologies in the world. Professions that make use of technologies are increasing rapidly. A network can be described as a collection of entities wanting to share and have a conversation or the exchange of messages,information or data through physical sources. It can also be defined as resources or facilities that make the conversation possible. Internet is the largest wide area network in the world. It is not a single network, but a collection of thousands of computer networks throughout the world. These are either LAN (Local Area Network), covering an office block or University campus, or  a WAN (Wide Area Network) connecting computers over a wide geographical area,
even over several countries.