Communication Networks and Network topologies

Communication Networks

The communication pattern describes the physical and logical arrangement of the participants in relation to each other within a network or during communication. However, they are not same. At the class, Prof. Rosanna introduced communication patterns in problem solving involving 5 people. The five-people communication network can be organized into: circle, concom, wheel, Y, and chain.

Concom--the most complex method is to create a mesh connecting all the participants with each other via separate communication lines. When it comes to network extensions, the flexibility is very low and it involves no leader in the group. However, in my opinion, there are any patterns without the higher participants’ satisfaction than concom.

When several two-point connections are used to create a physical ring, we speak of circle. It is similar as the concom but a little bit simpler. Also, there is no leader in the pattern.

A much clearer and simpler structure is the chain pattern. In this case, all participants communicate over the same line. Therefore, the transmission efficiency of messages is lower than others. Leader emerging and participants’ satisfactions is both moderate.

The Y pattern is in most respects similar to the chain pattern, except that the Y structure enables several participants to be connected in the same one. Hence, the leader emerging and participants’ satisfactions are similar as the chain pattern.

In the wheel pattern, all participants are connected to a core leader. Obviously, the leader emerging is highest in the 5 patterns. In both cases, failure of the center one causes the entire network communication to fail. As the surrounding participants cannot communicate each other, the participants’ satisfaction is the lowest in all at the same time.

Network topologies

Except for several patterns, we could need software to help us analysis the network topologies. For example, the Visio add-in, who’s created network maps can be documented and shared by exporting them as XML files or to Microsoft Visio 2007.

Add-in for Microsoft Visio 2007. This add-in helps you export the network maps or business views from OpManager to Visio. Refer to the help documentation for details.

It makes sense to group the devices that need special attention under one consolidated view even when they are spread across subnets. That’s exactly what OpManager’s custom maps or Business views section offers.

OpManager’s customnetwork map lets you group the devices based on the need. Further, one can add any background images, draw a live link between devices, export the custom maps to Microsoft Visio and even create a shortcut for a dependent business view in the parent business view.

Knowledge of networking topologies is core importance of computer networking design. Computer networks can  be developed using the knowledge about these topologies and decide to which topology design is best suited according to the requirement.