LAN Topology

The First Local Area Network – The Bus/Tree

• Original topology for LANs
• Each workstation has a Network Interface Card (NIC) that attaches to the bus (a coaxial cable) through a tap
• Data transfer can occur using Signal:
  • Baseband digital signals
  • Broadband analog signals

Bus/Tree

A more modern approach - The Star-Wired Bus

The Star-Wired Bus is a network topology that operates logically as a bus but is arranged physically like a star. Workstations are connected to a central hub using Twisted Pair Wire. The hub broadcasts incoming signals to all devices, making it a shared network. Although installation and maintenance are easier with modular connectors, its major drawback is that when one device transmits, all devices hear it, leading to potential collisions.

A modern star wired bus use Switch instead of Hub