Chapter 2. Overview of Network Topologies

SOME OF THE MAIN TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER ARE

LAN Topologies

Building and Campus Topologies

A Multi-Tiered Network Topology

Before you can begin to upgrade and repair your network, you need to understand how it's laid out, how it functions, and how the various parts are related to one another. Knowing how your network components are related makes the extension, expansion, and troubleshooting of your environment more focused and productive. Because network uptime is related directly to productivity, a solid grasp of network concepts is a necessity when you're facing a troubled LAN.

In this chapter, you will review the topologies in use today and learn the strengths and weaknesses of each.