| Here is an overview of the various network topologies utilized on private networks and within the World Wide Web. | Topology is the architecture, or physical configuration, of the network. |
| Each network has a particular type of topology, but the widest variety of topologies is represented by LANs rather than WANs. | LAN stands for Local Area Network. WAN stands for Wide Area Network. |
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Map of the Network
Network at Smith College: Cybersmith
There are four common topologies for LANs:
WANs typically use an irregular topology due to the large size of the network.
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The following table displays some of the advantages and disadvantages of various LAN and WAN topologies.
| Network Topology | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Star Topology | All connections go through one central computer; saves time. | If central computer crashes, no communication is possible. |
| Bus Topology | Travels either direction; prevents one crashed computer from affecting everything by not travelling through only one computer. | Primitive network; slower than Star Topology. |
| Ring Topology | Cyclical nature of network keeps one crash from affecting whole system. | Data only travels in one direction; slower than Star Topology. |
| Irregular Topology | Data can travel in many different directions, avoids relying on one computer, and there are direct connections between many computers. | There are some computers that are not networked as thoroughly. |
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