What is a network topology?

A network topology refers to the arrangement of different elements, such as nodes and connections, in a computer network. This concept encompasses both the physical layout, which describes how cables and devices are physically installed, and the logical layout, which refers to how data flows within the network. Understanding network topology is crucial for network design, performance optimization, and troubleshooting, as it influences how efficiently data is transmitted and how well different devices can communicate.

For instance, in a star topology, all nodes are connected to a central hub or switch, making it easy to manage and isolate faults. Meanwhile, in a bus topology, all nodes share a single communication line, which can lead to challenges if that line fails. Hence, the arrangement directly affects the network's reliability, performance, and scalability.