Bus topology is a network setup where each computer and network device is connected to a single cable. It is used for small workgroups whose computers are connected using a thin net cable. It is done by joining switches and routers to form campus-wide networks.
It is a cable that both ends are closed and along with the cables there are cable nodes. It is simple to install. If one cable falls then the whole network fails.
Pros of Bus Topology
- It uses passive terminators
The terminators that are used in bus topology does not require power. They are made of resistors and capacitors which do not require power.
- It can support many peripherals
Other peripheral devices can be connected to the bus topology in addition to computer terminals. This increases the speed of production hence work is done at a faster rate.
- Easy to install multiple nodes
It supports multiple nodes and it is easy to install them and this may make the organization have the connections easily.
- Extensions can be made
The scope is limited but it can be extended easily. The extension allows other peripherals to be connected to the bus topology.
- It does not allow switches
Switches do not have to be installed everywhere. The data flows easily and this makes it possible for the user to operate with one switch hence reducing the cost of buying switches.
- Failure of one station does not affect the rest
When one station fails, the rest continues to work and this may make it possible to work without one station.
- It is cheaper
A compared to other networks, it is cheaper to install bus topology as it only requires a few things and it can support other many peripheral devices.
- It is easier to connect
It is easier to make connections and this makes it take little time to do the connections hence mostly used in small offices.
- Requires short cables
This allows the user not to use a lot of money in purchasing for the cables hence it is convenient for small offices as it will not spend a lot on the cables.
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Cons of Bus Topology
- Connection failure makes the data not to be accessed
As the connection is independent, when there is a connection failure then the data cannot be accessed in that device.
- The computers may not be able to communicate
They may share the data but they may not be in a position to communicate hence it limits the communication between the users.
- Improper termination can lead to network issues
When the termination is not correctly done, then there is a possibility that there will be no network and this may inconvenient the working with the computers.
- The quality of data is put at risk on a large bus topology
It may lead to low speed and this may eventually make the data not to be accessible hence affecting the whole system.
- A break at the backbone causes the loss of network
When there is a break at the backbone, then the whole system will not be able to have a network making other peripherals not to access data.
- High maintenance cost
The cost of maintaining bus topology is high as a simple breakdown requires maintenance for it to function.
- Difficult to install security
As the terminals are linked to one another, there is no way there can be secured on the data as it will affect the other devices that are connected.
- Slow network
When they’re a lot of peripheral devices connected, then the network may be slow and this may make it difficult for several people to use it at the same time.
- Not good for large networks
It is only suitable for the small offices hence large offices may not use it as it may be very slow or even fail to connect.
- Termination is required for both ends
Both ends of the main cables require termination for it to be linked to other peripheral devices which may be costly.
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Summary
Bus topology is very helpful in small offices as it can serve many people at the same time. When it comes to large offices, it may not be the best option as it will not be able to serve everyone.