Advantages and Disadvantages of Bus Topology
Bus topology is a form of networking where everything is connected to a central cable, referred to as the “bus”. Other connections are made in a daisy chain off of the bus cable. It is commonly used because of how simple and effective it is. It allows you to connect many different points using just one central one. Like anything in technology, there are good things and there are bad things that can come from it’s use.
Advantages of Bus Topology
1. Manageable
It is very easy to identify problems and fix them quickly and efficiently using bus topology. This is because everything is connected together.
2. Inexpensive
The equipment and cables that are needed to set up this form of network are very minimal. This makes it one of, if not the most, cost efficient way to set up a network of computers and servers.
3. Cable length require
The cable length that is needed to successfully set up a bus topology network is very small. This is because of the way that the different components are connected.
4. Most Commonly Used
Due to it’s simplicity, easy manageability, and low costs this is the most used network in businesses and technology centers all over the world. However, it works best for small networks of systems.
Disadvantages of Bus Topology
1. There is limit
The amount of systems you can connect to a bus network is limited. You can only connect as many components as you have nodes to connect them to. Once you run out of spots to connect, you either have to replace the entire bus cable or use a different networking system.
2. Small Problems Are Big
Since everything is centrally connected, if there is an issue anywhere in the cable, all of the systems connected are affected. This can cause major problems in productivity.
3. Difficult To Locate Problems
Since every system will be affected by a problem, it can be difficult to identify exactly where the problem is coming from and what is causing it. You have to explore every computer and connection to find the cause of the disturbance.
4. Less Efficient
Many computers being connected to the same connection can run into one big problem, speed. The power and bandwidth of the central cable is shared with all of the systems. These bus cables can only support so much data, and once this limit is reached, the systems attached will begin running much slower.
6. Low security
Due to the simplicity of this network, security breaches are very possible. Bus topology is well understood, and there is an abundance of information available on it, making it very easy to penetrate.
Choosing a network set up that fits your specific needs can be difficult and confusing. Learning about all of your options before making a decision is the smartest route to take.