(I-Edison_Tobias,Ericson-Assignment1)

==**Assignment No. 1 ** (Fourth Grading) ==

1.) What is a Network?
==A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of [|computers] and devices interconnected by communications channels that facilitate communications among users and allows users to share resources. Networks may be classified according to a wide variety of characteristics. A computer network allows sharing of resources and information among interconnected devices. ==

2.) What is a Network Topology?
==Network topology is the layout pattern of interconnections of the various elements (links, nodes, etc.) of a [|computer network]. Network topologies may be physical or logical. Topology can be considered as a virtual shape or structure of a network. This shape does not correspond to the actual physical design of the devices on the computer network. The computers on a home network can be arranged in a circle but it does not necessarily mean that it represents a ring topology. ==

3.) What are the different kinds of Topology?
==*The physical topology the spatial configuration of the network. *The logical topology, refers to way that data travels along communication lines. The most common logical topologies are [|Ethernet], [|Token Ring] and [|FDDI]. ==

**A.) Bus Topology **
The bus topology is a series of nodes which are all connected to a backbone. Bus networks typically work well for smaller networks and use Ethernet cables for networking. It is easy to maintain and troubleshoot in a bus network. All the nodes in a bus network are dependant on the backbone and even if one node fails the remaining nodes work.

**B.) Ring Topology**
A ring network is circular in shape and every node will have one node on either side of it. The ring topology is rare to come across because of its limitations. If there is damaged cable or breakdown in any one of the nodes then the entire network stops functioning.

**C.) Star Topology**
A star topology is based on a central node which acts as a hub. A star topology is common in homes networks where all the computers connect to the single central computer using it as a hub. The medium used to connect is the UTP or the untwisted pair cable. In case one node stops functioning or if there is cable damage the rest of the network would still work.

**D.) Tree Topology**
The tree topology is a group of star networks put together. The only difference is that the tree topology follows a hierarchy in structure and the entire tree is dependant on this hierarchy.

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**E.) Mesh Topology**
<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Mesh topology is a group of nodes which are all connected to each other and many types of connections are possible in a mesh topology. Every single node is connected to the other nodes in a mesh topology and the chances of connection break downs are very minimal in a mesh topology. Mesh topology is mostly used on a WAN.