Last Update: 27 September 2020 | 3 min read | Author: Xander Billa


In this section we'll talk about different types of Network Topologies resides at the Physical Layer. Every type of Network has both a Physical and Logical topology.

  • The physical topology of a network refers to the physical layout of the devices, but mostly the cabling and cabling layout
  • The logical topology defines the logical path on which the signal will travel on the physical topology.     
Bus: In a bus topology, every workstation is concerned to a single, cable, meaning every host is directly connected to every other workstation in the network.

Ring: In a ring topology, computers and other network devices are cabled together in a way that the last device is connected to the first to form a circle or ring.

Star: The most common physical topology is a star topology, which is your Ethernet
switching physical layout. A central cabling device (switch) connects the computers and other network devices together. This category includes star and extended star topologies. Physical connection is commonly made using twisted-pair wiring.

Mesh: In a mesh topology, every network device is cabled together with connection to each other. Redundant links increase reliability and self-healing. The physical connection is commonly made using fiber or twisted-pair wiring.

Hybrid: Ethernet uses a physical star layout (cables come from all directions), and the signal travels end-to-end, like a bus route.