Expand Configuration and Management Manual (G06.24+)

Planning a Network Design
Expand Configuration and Management Manual—523347-008
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Common Network Topologies
Split-Star Topology
Used for ServerNet clusters, the split-star topology connects two star topologies. Each
star contains a cluster switch. The two cluster switches are connected by fiber optic
cables, each of which can be up to one kilometer in length. This topology can be used
for more than nine and fewer than 16 nodes. For examples of this topology, refer to
Section 4, Planning for ServerNet Clusters.
Tri-Star Topology
Used for ServerNet clusters, the tri-star topology connects three star topologies. Each
star contains a cluster switch. The three cluster switches are connected by fiber optic
cables, each of which can be up to one kilometer in length. This topology can be used
for up to 24 nodes. For examples of this topology, refer to Section 4, Planning for
ServerNet Clusters.
Tree Topology
In a tree topology, the shape of the network is that of an upside-down tree that has
branches and subbranches. Network reliability in tree networks depends on the
reliability of each connection.
Ring Topology
In a ring topology, nodes are connected in a circle pattern. In a traditional ring topology
of point-to-point links, network reliability depends on the reliability of each connection
along the ring. A FOX ring is a specialized type of ring topology. A node in a FOX ring
must be logically connected to every other node in the FOX ring (a logical, fully
connected mesh). FOX rings are more reliable than most ring topologies because each
node is connected by two bidirectional links. For more information about FOX rings,
refer to Fiber-Optic Cables on page 2-6.
Bus Topology
A bus topology is a common local area network (LAN) topology that consists of a line
of cable with nodes connected along the cable’s entire length.
Mesh Topology
In a mesh topology, each node is connected to every other node in the network. A
mesh network is very reliable because it contains multiple paths between every node.
The major disadvantage of a mesh topology is its high communications cost.
Mixed Topology
A mixed, or unconstrained, topology is a combination of some or all of the above-
mentioned topologies.