781  Network Topologies: Comprehensive Review

This review assumes you are comfortable with:

  • topologies-fundamentals.qmd - basic star, bus, ring, mesh, and hybrid topologies.
  • networking-basics.qmd - what links, nodes, and hops mean in practice.

Use this chapter to connect those ideas to graph-style reasoning:

  • You will compute link counts, redundancy, and diameter for different designs and relate them back to IoT performance (latency, reliability, cost).
  • If the math feels heavy, revisit the visuals and examples in the fundamentals chapter first, then use these questions as β€œboss level” checkpoints.

781.1 Learning Objectives

By the end of this review, you will be able to:

  • Calculate Mesh Connectivity: Compute link counts and connectivity ratios for partial mesh networks
  • Analyze Redundancy: Evaluate fault tolerance based on topology structure
  • Compare Topologies: Assess star, tree, mesh, and hybrid topologies for specific requirements
  • Optimize Network Design: Balance cost, redundancy, and performance in topology selection
  • Apply Graph Theory: Use network calculations to validate topology designs
  • Test Comprehension: Validate understanding through challenging topology questions

781.2 Prerequisites

Required Chapters: - Topologies Fundamentals - Core topology concepts - Networking Fundamentals - Network basics - Multi-hop Fundamentals - Multi-hop concepts

Estimated Time: 90 minutes (all sections)

781.3 Review Chapters

This comprehensive review is organized into three focused chapters:

781.3.1 1. Topology Comparison and Trade-offs

Network Topologies: Comparison and Trade-offs

Covers the foundational comparison of topology types:

  • Visual comparison of star, mesh, tree, and ring topologies
  • Key trade-offs: fault tolerance, scalability, latency, installation complexity, and cost
  • Common misconception: why more mesh links don’t always improve performance
  • The 40-60% connectivity ratio sweet spot for mesh networks
  • Decision trees for topology selection based on IoT requirements

Time: ~20 minutes

781.3.2 2. Design Analysis Questions

Network Topologies: Design Analysis

Focuses on analytical questions about topology characteristics:

  • Network diameter impact on latency (star vs line topology)
  • Protocol-topology matching (Zigbee, Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, Bluetooth)
  • Physical vs logical topology differences
  • Mesh self-healing behavior analysis
  • Switch vs hub logical topology
  • LoRaWAN star architecture limitations
  • Bus topology failure modes
  • Token ring latency calculations
  • Star vs mesh selection criteria

Time: ~25 minutes

781.3.3 3. Scenario-Based Assessment

Network Topologies: Scenario-Based Review

Tests your knowledge through real-world deployment scenarios:

  • Hybrid topology design (mesh + star backhaul)
  • Physical vs logical diagram purposes
  • Partial mesh link counting
  • Hierarchical mesh for battery life optimization
  • Campus-scale deployment planning
  • Topology comparison table completion
  • Fault tolerance categorization
  • Mesh benefits and tradeoffs (multi-select)
  • Topology-application matching
  • Scalability and reliability true/false evaluation

Time: ~30 minutes

781.4 Key Takeaways

After completing all review sections, you should understand:

  • Network topology describes arrangement of network elements (nodes and links)
  • Physical topology shows actual device locations, cable routes, and wireless coverage
  • Logical topology shows communication flow and device connectivity (not physical layout)
  • Physical and logical topologies are usually different for the same network
  • Common logical types: Star, extended star, bus, ring, full mesh, partial mesh
  • Star topology is most common for IoT (centralized control, easy management)
  • Mesh topology provides redundancy (Zigbee uses automatic mesh formation)
  • IoT topologies require special consideration (massive device count, multiple protocols)
  • Connectivity ratio of 40-60% balances redundancy against overhead
  • Hybrid topologies often provide best cost-performance balance for large deployments

781.5 Next Steps

Start with the first review chapter:

Begin Review: Topology Comparison and Trade-offs

Or jump directly to a specific section:

After completing the review:

TipFurther Resources

Drawing Tools: - draw.io - Free online diagramming - Cisco Packet Tracer - Network simulation and topology design - Lucidchart - Professional network diagrams

Network Planning: - Ekahau - Wi-Fi site survey and planning - NetSpot - Wireless network planning

Standards: - Cisco Icon Library - Official topology symbols - Network Diagram Examples

Practice: - Design topology for your home/office - Create physical layout on floor plan - Compare star vs mesh for different IoT scenarios

Continue to: Network Topologies: Comparison and Trade-offs