Bus Topology

In bus topologies, all computers are connected to a single cable or "trunk or backbone", by a transceiver either directly or by using a short drop cable. All ends of the cable must be terminated, that is plugged into a device such as a computer or terminator. Most bus topologies use coax cables.

The number of computers on a bus network will affect network performance, since only one computer at a time can send data, the more computers you have on the network the more computers there will be waiting send data. A line break at any point along the trunk cable will result in total network failure.

Computers on a bus only listen for data being sent they do not move data from one computer to the next, this is called passive topology.

Advantages

· Easy to implement and extend

· Requires less cable length than a star topology

· Well suited for temporary or small networks not requiring high speeds(quick setup)

· Initially less expensive than other topologies

Disadvantages

· Difficult to administer/troubleshoot.

· Limited cable length and number of stations.

· If there is a problem with the cable, the entire network goes down.

· Maintenance costs may be higher in the long run.

· Performance degrades as additional computers are added or on heavy traffic.