Introduction
In the Computer Networking industry there are some topologies for setting up the network in the LAN or Local Area Network. When you begin to develop a sense of computer networking you can group networks into network types and network topologies. Understanding the basics of computer networking will allow you to develop your skills in Cybersecurity.
There are also other network types like the LAN that are MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network). These are general network types that are non-vendor specific and can be instituted in other networks. Some of these other network types include the PAN or Personal Area Network and the CAN which is the Campus Area Network.
The network topologies include the bus, ring, star, mesh, full mesh, and hybrid topologies. The bus topology is something that has happened in the past and is less common where all of the computers are situated along one cable. This is a configuration that was common in the beginning of networking.
Ring Topology
The ring topology includes some older technology as well, which is Token Ring. Token Ring is a technology that was used by setting up computers in a ring-shaped topology where the computers are all located along the ring and use the token to communicate.
Star Topology
Going into the star topology, it is used today and is where the computers sit around a central switch which resembles a star shaped topology. The star topology could also be around a hub or a piece of technology that is centrally connecting computers together. The star topology is useful in a LAN environment where there are buildings or floors that need to be connected to each other from a central location.
Mesh and Full Mesh Topologies
There are some other topologies that are connected in either a mesh or full mesh shaped topology where the central devices are connected to each other resembling more of a modern network topology with the full mesh being something where the central devices are fully connected to all other switches.
Conclusion
There is also a hybrid topology which is a combination of network topologies. This is usually the most common type of topology. The network topologies can include the physical topology which is the physical equipment and a logical topology where the flow of data goes across the different network types.
Within computer networks there are some basic knowledge items that will help you in your journey in IT and in both computer networking and cybersecurity specifically. Helping you understand these topics will help you in the path that you are wanting to do for your IT career.