DATA COMMUNICATION AND NETWORK SYSTEMS
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Subject: Computing
Class: SHS 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 4
Grade code: 3.1.3.LI.3
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: 3.1.3.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.1.3.LI.3
Theme: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE & ORGANISATION
Subtheme: DATA COMMUNICATION AND NETWORK SYSTEMS
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In our daily lives in Ghana, we are constantly interacting with networks. From the MTN or Vodafone network we use on our phones, to the computer labs in our schools, to the systems used by tellers at GCB or Ecobank, networks are everywhere. Just like a builder needs a blueprint to construct a house, network engineers need a plan to set up a computer network. This "plan" or "layout" is called a network topology. Today, we will explore the most common blueprints used to build computer networks, understanding how they work and which one is best for different situations.
A. What is a Network Topology?
A network topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of computers, cables, and other components (collectively known as nodes) on a network. Think of it as the map or layout of the network. Physical Topology: Describes the actual layout of the wires (the physical structure). Logical Topology: Describes how data actually flows through the network (the path data takes).
For this lesson, we will focus on the physical topologies.
B. Bus Topology