Which Network Topology

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Compare/contrast the basic network topologies: point-to-point, bus, ring, star, and mesh.
Select an industry and recommend which network topology best supports this industry’s business needs.
Support your rationale with examples.

Sample Solution

Here’s a comparison of the five basic network topologies:

Feature Point-to-Point Bus Ring Star Mesh
Connection Style Dedicated connection between two devices Single cable shared by all devices Devices connected in a closed loop Each device connected to a central hub/switch Multiple connections between devices
Scalability Limited, difficult to add new devices Moderate, adds complexity with more devices Limited, adding devices disrupts network flow High, easy to add devices Very high, flexible for expansion
Fault Tolerance Single point of failure, loss of one link breaks communication Entire network goes down if cable fails Failure of one device impacts nearby devices Single point of failure at central hub/switch Highly fault tolerant, alternate paths available
Cost Low cost, simple setup Lower cost than mesh, moderate wiring needs Low cost, minimal cabling Low cost for basic setup, additional cost for hub/switch High cost, complex cabling and configuration
Security Easier to secure individual connections Moderate security, vulnerable to cable tampering Moderate security, requires additional measures at each device High security, isolated devices on central hub/switch Very high security, multiple redundant paths
Performance Dedicated bandwidth for each connection Shared bandwidth can bottleneck with heavy traffic Moderate bandwidth, affected by other devices’ activity High bandwidth for individual devices, potential bottlenecks at hub/switch High bandwidth, flexible routing avoids congestion

Industry Recommendation:

Industry: Healthcare

Recommended Topology: Mesh

Rationale:

  • High Fault Tolerance: Critical in healthcare where network downtime can impact patient care. Mesh networks offer redundant paths to ensure continuous connectivity even if individual devices or connections fail.
  • Security: Healthcare data privacy is paramount. Mesh networks offer enhanced security with encrypted communication and multiple layers of access control.
  • Scalability: Healthcare facilities constantly upgrade and expand. Mesh networks easily adapt to new equipment and departments, allowing for flexible scalability.
  • Real-time data: Medical applications often require real-time data transfer. Mesh networks offer reliable, low-latency connections for vital signs monitoring, remote consultations, and emergency response.

Examples:

  • Connecting medical devices in patient rooms to monitor vital signs and administer treatment.
  • Securely sharing patient data between doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals across different departments.
  • Supporting real-time communication during surgeries and consultations with specialists in remote locations.

Alternatives:

  • Star: A star topology could be considered for smaller clinics with less complex needs, offering lower cost and easier management. However, its centralized hub/switch remains a single point of failure.
  • Hybrid: Combining mesh with star connections within departments can offer a balance of flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Ultimately, the best network topology for healthcare depends on the specific needs and resources of each facility. Mesh networks, however, offer compelling advantages in terms of fault tolerance, security, scalability, and real-time data support, making them a strong contender for the healthcare industry.

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