Networking topology

The term topology is used to describe the physical configuration of a multipoint system or a network. In a multipoint system, a number of secondary stations share the same communication system. Three common topologies for networking used in telecommunication are star network, tree network and ring network. In a star network, a separate link is provided to every subscriber towards the local switching centre. Star network provides single channel transmission but it is inflexible and expensive. Tree network consists of different branches and provides a number of transmission channels. In a ring network, a number of transmission channels are provided between network nodes. For this, a time division multiplexing system utilizing a broadband transmission medium is used.