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Small Network Topologies

Small Network Topologies

Small network topologies and techniques are too crucial for network professionals because most businesses require a small network. The small network’s design is generally straightforward. Generally, network topologies contain a single router and one or more switches.

Small networks may have access points (possibly built into the router) and IP phones. As for the internet requirement, small networks usually use only a single WAN connection provided by internet service providers. The internet connection may be DSL, cable, or Ethernet. The figure below displays the typical small network.

The small network also requires the same skills as managing a more extensive network. The main work in the small network is maintenance and troubleshooting after the one-time equipment installation. The network administrator must secure devices and information on the network.

Device Selection for a Small Network

These networks also require planning and design according to the user’s needs. Network planning ensures the user’s requirements, the network’s cost, and implementation options. For a small network implementation, the type of intermediate devices is essential for the design. Some important factors require measurement for the selection of intermediate devices.

Type of Intermediate Devices

For implementing a small network, the first design consideration is the type of intermediate devices that must be used in the network. While selecting intermediate devices, some factors need to be measured.

Cost

The capacity and features of the intermediate devices decide their price. The capacity of the intermediate device is based on the number and types of ports available. The network management capabilities, embedded security technologies, and advanced switching technologies also affect the cost of the devices. The cost of cable that connects all network devices is also considered. Redundancy is another reason that affects the cost of the network.

Ports/Interfaces Speed and Types

The interface and port choice on intermediate devices router or switch) is an important decision. Some computers have built-in 1 Gb/s NICs. 10 Gb/s ports are available on newer computers, workstations, and servers. It is too expensive to accommodate increased speed on Layer 2 devices that allow the network to evolve without replacing central devices.

Expandability

Both fixed and modular types of network devices are available. Fixed devices have a fixed number and type of ports or interfaces available, which cannot be changed, while modular devices have expansion slots that give the flexibility to add new modules per requirements. Switches are also available with extra ports for high-speed links.

Operating System Features and Services

The operating system feature usually depends on the version of the operating system. A network device usually supports features and services, such as:

Other Requirements

Assess Requirements:

  • Determine the number of users and devices connected to the network.
  • Identify the types of devices (computers, printers, phones, etc.) that must be integrated.
  • Consider future scalability needs.

Choose Networking Equipment:

  • Select a reliable router capable of handling the network load and supporting advanced features like VPN, Quality of Service (QoS), and firewall.
  • Decide whether to use wired (Ethernet), wireless (Wi-Fi) connections, or both.
  • Purchase network switches if you have multiple wired devices to connect.
  • Consider additional network equipment, such as access points for extending wireless coverage.

Internet Connectivity:

  • Choose an appropriate Internet Service Provider (ISP) and subscription plan based on your business’s bandwidth requirements.
  • Install and configure the modem provided by your ISP to connect to the internet.

Network Security:

  • Implement strong password policies for all devices and Wi-Fi networks.
  • Set up a firewall to protect against unauthorized access and external threats.
  • Install and regularly update antivirus and antimalware software on all devices.
  • Consider implementing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure remote access.

Network Configuration:

  • Configure the router with appropriate network settings such as IP addresses, subnet masks, and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) settings.
  • Set up Wi-Fi networks with secure encryption (WPA2/WPA3) and strong passwords.
  • Assign static IP addresses to critical devices if needed.
  • Create network shares and permissions for file sharing if required.

Backup and Data Storage:

  • Set up a backup solution to regularly back up important business data.
  • Consider using network-attached storage (NAS) devices for centralized data storage and easy access.

Remote Access and Monitoring:

  • Set up remote access tools or VPN for employees who need to work from outside the office.
  • Implement network monitoring tools to track network performance, detect issues, and troubleshoot problems proactively.

Documentation and Maintenance:

  • Document the network configuration, including IP addresses, passwords, and network topology.
  • Establish a schedule for regular network maintenance tasks such as firmware updates, security patches, and backups.
  • Train employees on network usage policies and security best practices.

Testing and Troubleshooting:

  • Conduct thorough testing of the network to ensure all devices can connect and communicate properly.
  • Prepare troubleshooting procedures and resources for addressing common network issues.

Compliance and Regulations:

  • Ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) or HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) if applicable to your business.
5 Types of Network Topology

5 Types of Network Topology

The network topology is the schematic arrangement or relationship of the network devices, including its nodes and connecting lines. The network has two shapes or two types of network topology; one is physical network topology, and the other is logical network topology.

The physical network topology

The physical topology of a network is the actual physical and geometric layout of the network that we can see, such as devices like routers, switches, wireless access points, nodes, and cables. So, there are several common physical topologies, like point-to-point, ring, bus, star, and mesh. The physical topology has two different categories: WAN and LAN topologies.

Common Physical WAN Topologies

WAN are generally interconnected using the following physical topologies:

Point-to-Point

Point-to-point (PTP) network topology connects two nodes directly to one another. Only two devices are involved in a point-to-point connection, with one wire (or air, in the case of wireless) sitting between them. This is the simplest topology in networking. For this reason, this is a very popular WAN topology. The figure below illustrates the physical point-to-point topology.

Hub and Spoke

A hub-and-spoke network is a traditional and widely used network topology for all types of networks, also known as a star topology. In this topology, a central site interconnects branch sites using point-to-point links. The Central site is known as the hub, and branch sites are known as spokes. Communication between two spokes always travels through the hub. The figure below illustrates the physical hub-and-spoke topology.

Mesh Topology

A mesh network is a network topology in which each node relays data for the network. This topology provides high availability but requires that every end system be interconnected to every other system. Therefore, the administrative and physical costs can be very high. Each link is essentially a point-to-point link to the other node. Variations of this topology include a partial mesh in which some but not all of the end devices are interconnected. The figure below illustrates the physical mesh topology.

Physical LAN Topologies

Physical LAN topologies define how the end systems physically connected. We can connect devices in LAN using the following physical topologies as illustrated in the figure below:

Star topology

In Star topology, all end devices are connected to the central device. Early star topologies interconnected end devices using Ethernet hubs. However, star topologies now use Ethernet switches. The star topology is easy to install, scalable (add and remove end devices), and easy to troubleshoot.

All the data on the star topology passes through the central device before reaching the intended destination. The hub/Switch acts as a junction to connect different nodes present in the Star Network, and at the same time, it manages and controls the whole of the network. Depending on which central device, “hub” and “Switch” can act as repeaters or signal boosters. The central device can also communicate with other hubs and switches of a different network.

Extended Star Topology

In an extended star topology, additional Ethernet switches interconnect other star topologies.

Bus Topology

Bus Topology is the simplest of network topologies. All end systems (computers and servers) are connected and terminated in some form on each end. Infrastructure devices such as switches are not required to interconnect the end devices. Bus topologies use coax cables in legacy Ethernet networks because they are inexpensive and easy to set up.

Ring Topology

In the ring topology, end systems are connected to a single circle of cable. Unlike the bus topology, the ring does not need termination. The signals travel around the loop in one direction and pass through each computer, which acts as a repeater to boost the signal and send it to the next computer. Ring topologies are used in legacy Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) and Token Ring networks.

The logical network topology

The logical topology is the way that signals proceed on the network media or the way that data passes through the network from one device to the next without regard to the physical interconnection of the devices. In other words, it defines how a network transfers frames from one node to the next.

This topology also consists of virtual links between a network’s nodes. Data link layer protocols define these logical paths. The data link layer deals with the logical topology of a network when controlling data access to the media. The logical topology influences the type of network framing and media access control used.

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