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TOPIC: Network Topologies
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Common network topologies: star, bus
• Advantages and disadvantages star topology
• Advantages and disadvantages of bus topology
Teacher Activity Pupil Activity
Starter
activity
(5-10 mins)
[individual/
paired or
group]
What is a computer network?
What are the components in a computer network?
- Network Interface Card (NIC)
- Cables
- Bridge
- Hub
- Gateway
- Switches
- Wireless Access Points
- Router
Discuss (individual/paired
or group)
Note down as many
components in a
computer network
Definitions for:
- Network Interface Card (NIC)
- Cables
- Bridge
- Hub
- Gateway
- Switches
- Wireless Access Points
- Router
Have a vote or hold up a
card / small whiteboard
that matches the term to
the definition
Main activity
one
(15 mins)
Students should be able to draw topology diagrams and explain the differences between the two topologies. They should also be able to select the most appropriate topology for a given scenario.
What is a STAR topology?
A STAR topology is a way of arranging your LAN (local area network), it is one of the most common network setups.
Class discussion
(individual/paired or
group) or
Use a small whiteboard
and show the diagrams
and describe:
Try and represent a star
topology with a diagram
Note the advantages of a
star topology
Note the disadvantages of
a star topology
Have cards to match up
‘what is it used for?’ and
‘what types of programs /
devices use it?’ for the
Star network
Create cards to
categorise advantages
and disadvantages
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a STAR topology?
Advantages:
1. The main advantage that contributes to star being the most commonly used _network topology is that if one host goes down, it does not affect the others.
- It also means the network can be managed through the central hub.
- It’s easy to add or remove hosts from the network._
Disadvantages:
1. The central network device determines the performance and number of _nodes the network can handle.
- If the central network device fails the whole network goes down and no_ _one can access the network.
- Can be more costly._
Main activity
two
(15 mins)
What is a BUS topology?
A bus topology (or network design) is a simple, but very common network style that you would find in most organisations. This style network doesn’t rely on a central device and can continue to operate if a device fails or removed from the network.
What is it used for?
This will be used for networks that require multiple users to have access to a single resource, such as a printer. A single printer can then prioritise incoming print requests and action them. There is no priority from device order (i.e. 1-6), only request input time order.
What types of programs/ devices use it?
Every single device that would want to have access to resources would require to use this style network; that is if the resource isn’t wireless.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a BUS topology?
Advantages:
All devices have access to each other
If one device fails/ is removed from the network, the other devices can still communicate
Very simple to set up
Optimised for LAN
Uses less cable than a star network (traditionally)
Disadvantages :
Dependant on central cable, if tampered with, entire network goes down
Limit to how many devices can be connected. Limited by the bandwidth of the central cable
Low security because each device receives the same signal
Not designed for networks with heavy work loads
Difficult to identify a fault along a cable
Expensive to replace central cable once network has been implemented because the network has to be taken down for maintenance
Class discussion
(individual/paired
or group)
or
Use a small whiteboard
and show the diagrams
and describe:
Try and represent a bus
topology with a diagram
Note the advantages of a
bus topology
Note the disadvantages of
a bus topology
Have cards to match up
‘what is it used for?’ and
‘what types of programs /
devices use it?’ for the
Bus network
Create cards to
categorise advantages
and disadvantages
Plenary two
(5-10 mins)
Assess learning against the learning objectives
This is an open activity whereby the teacher will decide on the best approach to do this based on the pedagogical approach your school takes on assessment.
For example:
- 5 minute timed writing exercise on what has been learned so far
- Fill in class notes
- Have a discussion
- Answer open questions
- Answer directed ques- tions
Homework
(optional)
Teacher choice based on homework policy of school. For example:
Write down the
components in a
computer network and
their meanings
Ensure all diagrams are
correctly labelled.
Find details about a
Ring Network; create a
diagram; label the
diagram; Note the
advantages and
disadvantages
