What is Bus Topology?

Bus topology uses a common bus or backbone cable to connect all the devices with the terminators at each ends. The backbone cable acts as a shared communication media and each node (workstations, file servers, peripherals) is attached to the bus with an interface connector. When a computer send message, it is passed back and forth along the bus. In bus topology, terminators are required at both ends of the common bus. Terminator absorbs the signals when it reaches to terminator (end of common bus). Terminators are necessary because for preventing signal bounce. As a signal travels through a common bus, it produces heat. For this reason, there is a limit of number of nodes and common bus length. Bus topology was the one of the first topologies used in early LAN networks.

Bus Topology

Advantages of bus topology

- It is less expensive because it does not requires any network devices like hubs and routers. 

- It is easy to expand a bus network.

- Connecting a computer or peripheral to a linear bus is easy. 

- Bus topology uses less cabling than other network topology like mesh or star. 

- Ease of installation.

Disadvantages of bus topology

- Bus topology does not provide centralization.

- In bus topology, only one user can transfer message at one time, otherwise both messages may collide.

- If the common bus or backbone cable fails, the entire network will be shut down. 

- Adding a new device may require modification or replacement of backbone cable or common bus.  

- Terminators are required at both ends of the common bus.