BUS TOPOLOGY

Definition

Network cabling scheme in which all computers and devices (nodes) are connected to a single cable so that all nodes receive the same message at the same time.

            (Source : http://www.technologyuk.net)

Advantages

1. Include ease of installation
2. Backbone cable can be laid along the most efficient path
3. Uses less cabling than mesh or star topologies
4. Redundancy is eliminated
5. It is easy to set-up and extend bus network
6. Costs very less
7. Linear bus network is mostly used in small network

Disadvantage

1. Difficult reconnection and fault isolation
2. Difficult to add new devices
3. There is a limit on central cable length and number of nodes that can be connected
4. Proper termination is required to dump signals. Use of terminators is must
5. Maintenance costs can get higher with time
6. Efficiency of bus network reduces, as the number of devices connected to it increases
7. It is not suitable for networks with heavy traffic
8. Security is very low because all the computers receive the sent signal from the source

References

• Behrouz A. Forouzan. “Data Communication and Networking“.  4th Edition.
• http://www.ianswer4u.com/2011/05/bus-topology-advantages-and.html#axzz3npyiqRhR