The bus topology was used in the Ethernet networks. It is simply a series of workstations or devices connected to a single cable (see Figure 13.1). Connecting workstations along a single cable is commonly referred to as daisy-chaining. This is the topology used for networks that are composed of 10BASE-2 or 10BASE-5 coaxial cabling. Figure 13.1. The bus topology consists of multiple devices connected to a single cable segment.
The bus topology, although simple to implement, has a few problems, including the following:
In spite of its limitations when used to connect individual workstations into a LAN, the bus is a method that has often been used to join smaller groups that are connected in star formation. For example, before Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet using fiber-optic cables were developed, connections between hubs or switches in a LAN were often done using coaxial cable. |