Network Topologies and Their Deployment

Introduction

• Networks can connect in various ways.
• Different topologies are important for both network design and troubleshooting.

Star Network (Hub and Spoke)

• Central device is the main networking component.
• All devices connect to this central hub.
• Often used in large networks.
• Example: Switched Ethernet.
  • Central Ethernet switch with devices connecting to it.
• Communication between devices goes through the central hub.

Mesh Network

• Devices are interconnected with multiple network connections.
• Provides alternate paths for communication if a link fails.
• Allows for load balancing across connections.
• Common in Wide Area Networks (WANs) to maintain connectivity despite failures.

Hybrid Network

• Combines different architectures:
  • Star
  • Point-to-point
  • Mesh
• Used in large enterprise networks.

Spine and Leaf Architecture

• Common in data centers.
• Spine switches: Connect to all leaves.
• Leaf switches: Connect to spine switches and devices.
  • Do not connect directly to each other.
• Top-of-rack switching:
  • Leaf switch at the top of each rack.
  • Connects all devices in the rack.
  • Provides redundancy and improved performance.
• Cost-effective for small data centers but can be expensive for larger setups.

Point-to-Point Connections

• Single connection between two points.
• Formerly common in older WANs with T1/T3 connections.
• Can be used in Local Area Networks (LANs), such as campus networks connecting buildings.