Describe LAN Topologies and Architectures

Most of the computers that you work on will be part of a network. Topologies and architectures are building blocks for designing a computer network. Although you may not build a computer network, you need to understand how they are designed so that you can work on computers that are part of a network.

The two types of LAN topologies are physical and logical. A physical topology, shown in Figure 8-19, is the physical layout of the components on the network. A logical topology, shown in Figure 8-20, determines how the hosts communicate across a medium, such as a cable or the airwaves. Topologies commonly are represented as network diagrams.

Figure 8-19 Physical Topology

A LAN architecture is built around a topology. A LAN architecture comprises all the components that make up the structure of a communications system. These components include the hardware, software, protocols, and sequence of operations.

After completing this section, you will meet these objectives:

■ Describe LAN topologies.

■ Describe LAN architectures.

Figure 8-20 Logical Topology

Mail Server 192.16B.2.1 Web server 192.168.2.2 Filo saver 192.1 BB.2.3

Continue reading here: Physical Topologies

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