Network topology refers to the arrangement of elements within a network. Like network diagrams, network topologies can describe either the physical or logical aspects of a network. Logical topology is also known as signal topology. Show Different topologies are best for certain situations, since they can affect performance, stability, and other outcomes. Bus topologyAlso known as the backbone, linear, or ethernet topology, this type of network is distinguished for having all of the nodes connected by a central medium (the “bus”) which has exactly two endpoints.  Bus topologies are easy to configure and require less cable length than some other topologies. However, if the central bus breaks down, so does the whole network, and it can be difficult to isolate the problem. Ring topologyNodes are connected in a circular pattern, and packets of information are sent through the ring until they reach their destination. Ring networks can outperform those based on the bus topology, and they can be easily reconfigured to add or remove devices. However, they are still relatively vulnerable, since the whole network fails if a single node fails. Also, bandwidth must be shared across all the devices and connections. Star topologyOne of the most common topologies, the star topology consists of a central hub or switch, through which all of the data passes, along with all of the peripheral nodes connected to that central node. Star topologies tend to be reliable because individual machines may crash without affecting the rest of the network. But if the central hub or switch fails, none of the connected nodes will be able to access it. Cable costs also tend to be higher for star networks. Mesh topologyThere are two types of mesh topology. In the first, which is called full mesh topology, each node is directly connected to every other node. In a partial mesh topology, nodes are only connected to the nodes they interact with most. Most networks employ some combination of topologies to yield what’s called a hybrid topology. For instance, the tree topology combines the bus and mesh topologies. The logical and physical topology of a particular network may resemble one another, or they may be entirely different. For example, a twisted pair Ethernet network exists as a star topology physically but follows the bus topology logically. Logical Network Diagrams Explained A logical network diagram depicts how information in the network flows. In a logical diagram, you’ll generally visualize the following elements in your logical network topology:
How Logical Network Diagrams are Useful As the information contained within logical network diagrams corresponds to the L3 (Layer 3) of the OSI model; L2 devices (such as switches) are not depicted in an L3 or logical network diagram. While physical network diagrams are important, logical diagrams make network management easier in the following ways:
How to Create a Logical Network Diagram As a logical or L3 network diagram should depict the logical network topology: in general, you’ll want to map out the following logical elements:
Keep in mind that network diagrams are only as valuable to you as they are up-to-date. If your network is tiny, you may be able to create a logical network diagram by hand — or creating Visio network diagrams. If your network doesn’t fit in a shoebox, however, you will probably want to use some kind of automated network mapping software (such as netTerrain). To sum up, both logical and physical network diagrams play a key part in effectively managing the network. If you aren’t documenting the network, or you’re scrambling to keep up using a hybrid of post-it notes, Visio, and Excel — you may want to look at a network mapping tool to help you automatically discover and map the network in clicks. Network documentation, when done properly, can deliver some serious ROI. Hannah Ash Hannah Ash is a marketing specialist who loves thinking, writing and speculating about the future of the data center. What does a logical topology diagram identify?Components of a Network
Logical topology diagrams - Identify devices, ports, and IP addressing scheme.
What information would you typically find on a logical network diagram?A logical network diagram illustrates the flow of information through a network and shows how devices communicate with each other. It typically includes elements like subnets, network objects and devices, routing protocols and domains, voice gateways, traffic flow and network segments.
What are logical network components?In a logical network diagram, you can see elements such as routing domains, network objects (firewalls and routers), subnets (VLAND IDs, IP addresses, subnet mask), voice gateways, and specific routing protocols, network segments, and traffic flow.
What is the difference between logical and physical network diagram?A physical network diagram depicts the network topology with the physical aspects like ports, cables, racks, and more. A logical network diagram, on the other hand, shows the “invisible” elements and connections flowing through the physical objects on the network.
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