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Once you have decided to network a number of computers together, the next decision which needs to be made is which network layout or topology would be the best to use. There are a number of different topologies to choose from, the three most popular being bus, ring and star.

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This is the simplest methods of connecting computers. A single cable joins all of the workstations, printer, file server and other components together. At each end of the bus is a 'terminator'. This is a piece of hardware which prevents signals bouncing back and forth (echoes).

Advantages:

easy to install

easy to add extra workstations

signals can be sent either way

uses less cable than a star network

best choice for temporary networks

Disadvantages:

if there is a problem with the central cable, the entire network stops working

if there are a lot of workstations on the network, data can travel slowly

data collisions can happen as the network becomes busy

low security - every workstation can see all of the data in the network

limited cable length and a maximum number of workstations

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In a ring network layout, all of the computers are connected to one another in a circle. The data passes from one computer to the next one and then all the way around the ring layout until it reaches the destination computer.

Advantages:

transmission of data is fairly simple as it only travels in one direction

no data collisions

extra computers can be added easily with little effect on performance - although you have to shut down the network to be able to do this

Disadvantages:

if a single machine is switched off, the network doesn't work

if a cable breaks, the network doesn't work

data must pass through every computer until it reaches its destination - this can make it slower than other network layouts

if there are any problems with the network, the cause can be difficult to identify

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In a star network layout, each workstation is connected by its own cable directly to the server. Star networks are usually the layout of choice in schools and offices because they tend to be the most reliable of the topologies.

Advantages:

star networks are very reliable - if one connection fails, it does not affect other users

very few data collisions as each workstation has its own cable to the server

good security - no workstation can interact with another without getting through the server first

Disadvantages:

the most expensive network layout to install because of the amount of cables needed

installing the network usually needs experts to set it up

extra hardware such as hubs and switches may be needed

if the server crashes or stops working then nobody will be able to access their files or use the network