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Introduction of Computer Network Types of Computer Network Network Topology Computer Networking Architecture Transmission Modes (Data Flow) Basic Networking Devices Integrate Services Digital Network (ISDN)

Model

OSI Model TCP/IP Model

Physical Layer

Digital Transmission Analog Transmission Transmission Media Switching

Data Link Layer

Error detection and Error correction Data Link Control Multiple Access Aloha

Network Layer

Network Layer - Logical Address Address Mapping Unicast Routing Protocol

Transport Layer

Process to Process Delivery User Datagram Protocol Transmission Control Protocol Stream Control Transmission Protocol Session Layer and Presentation Layer

Application Layer

Domain Name System Application Protocol E-mail Cryptography

Misc

Classes of Routing Protocols Classification of Routing Algorithms Controlled Access Protocols in Computer Networks Differences between IPv4 and IPv6 Fixed and Flooding Routing Algorithms Advantages and Disadvantages of Fibre Optics Cable APIPA Difference between Active and Passive FTP Fiber Optics and its Types Method of Joining and Fusion of Fiber Optic Cable Define Framing in Computer Network Disadvantages of Computer Network Mesh Topology Diagram in Computer Network Ring Topology in Computer Network Star Topology in Computer Networks 4G Mobile Communication Technology Advantages and Disadvantages of LAN Advantages and Disadvantages of MAN Advantages and Disadvantages of WAN Application Layer in OSI Model Cyclic Redundancy Check Example Data link layer in OSI model Difference between Transport and Network Layer Hamming Code Example Network Layer in OSI Model Session Layer in OSI Model Transport Layer in OSI Model Two Port Network in Computer Networks Uses of Computer Networks What is Computer Network What is Framing in a Computer Network Advantages and Disadvantages of Bus Topology Difference between Star Topology and Bus Topology Subnetting in Computer Network Subnetting Questions and Answers What is Bus Topology What is Network Topology and Types in Computer Networks Access Control in Networking Basic Characteristics of Computer Network Benefits of SOCKS5 Proxy in Computer Networks Computer Network viva Questions Difference between BOOTP and RARP Difference Between Network Topologies and Network Protocols Difference between NFC and RFID Difference Between Point-to-Point Link and star Topology Network Differences Between MSS and MTU Differences Between Trunk Port and Access Port Different Modes of Communication in Computer Networks MIME Protocol in Computer Networks Modes of Communication in Computer Networks Network Attack in Computer Network Port Address in Networking Simplest Protocol in Computer Network Sliding Window Protocol in Computer Network Stop And Wait Protocol in Computer Networks TCP 3-Way Handshake Process in Computer Networks What is a Proxy Server What is APPN What is ICMP Protocol What is Point-to-Point Protocol What is Port Address in Networking What is the HDLC Protocol What is VRRP Protocol Difference Between Analog and Digital Signals Difference Between Hub and Repeater Difference between Repeater and Switch Difference Between Transparent Bridge and Source Routing Bridge Source Routing Bridge in Computer Networks Transparent Bridge in Computer Networks Transport Protocol in Computer Networks Types of CSMA in Computer Networks What is Wired and Wireless Networking Network Security in Computer Network Disadvantages of Extranet Difference Between TELNET and FTP Define Protocol in Computer Networks Guided Transmission Media in Computer Network What is a Gateway in a Computer Network IGMP in Computer Networks LAN Protocols in Computer Networks MAN Meaning in Computer Modulation Techniques in Computer Networks Switching in DCN TCP/IP Applications What is IGMP? What is Modem in Networking What is Non-Persistent CSMA Difference between Cell Splitting and Cell Sectoring Forouzen Computer Network Open Loop and Closed Loop Congestion Control Types of Cluster Computing WAP-Wireless Access Point What are the elements of the Transport Protocol Difference between Gateway and Switch Flow Control in Data Link Layer Body Area Network Flooding in Computer Network

Difference Between Network Topologies and Network Protocols

This article will provide you a detailed comparison between network topologies and network protocols. Before going into the main context first let us understand what are network topologies and network protocols.

What is network topology?

Network topology refers to how devices (such as computers, servers, switches, and routers) are connected to a computer network. It defines the physical and logical arrangement of these devices and how data is transmitted between them.

There are various types of network topologies present and a few of them are mentioned below

  1. Star Topology: In this type of topology a networking device is located at the center all the remaining devices are connected thereby forming a hub. Data is transmitted between devices through the central hub, making it easy to add or remove devices without disrupting the entire network.
  2. Bus Topology: In this type of topology all the networking devices are connected to a single cable. Data is transmitted along the bus and all devices listen for data addressed to them. This topology is simple to implement, but adding or removing devices can disrupt the entire network.
  3. Ring Topology: In this type of topology all the network devices are interconnected to each other thereby forming a circle. This topology provides fast data transmission and can support a large number of devices, but adding or removing a device can disrupt the entire network.
  4. Mesh Topology:  In this type of topology each device is connected to all the remaining devices and this connection forms a mesh pattern. This makes the network very reliable, but it can be complex to implement and requires a large number of connections.
  5. Tree Topology: in this type of topology all the networking devices are connected hierarchically and the central device will act as the root node in a tree topology.
Difference Between Network Topologies and Network Protocols

What is network protocol?

Network protocols are established sets of guidelines that control how devices communicate on a computer network. They define how data is packaged, transmitted, and received across the network, ensuring that all devices can communicate with each other effectively.

Difference Between Network Topologies and Network Protocols

Few network protocols are very widely used

  1. TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): these are a set of rules which are followed for data transmission across various networks. TCP is responsible for breaking data into smaller packets and ensuring that they are transmitted reliably and in the correct order, while IP is responsible for routing the packets to their destination.
  2. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): This protocol is used to send data over the internet, including web pages. It specifies how a client (such as a web browser) and a server should format their requests and answers (such as a web server).
  3. FTP (File Transfer Protocol): This protocol is used to move files between machines connected to a network. It allows users to upload and download files from a remote server, and it provides a standard set of commands for controlling the transfer.
  4. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): The protocol described here is used to send email via the internet. It outlines message formats and email sending and receiving commands.
  5. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol): This is a protocol used for automatically assigning IP addresses to devices on a network. It allows devices to be added or removed from the network without requiring the manual configuration of IP addresses.
  6. DNS (Domain Name System): This protocol is used to allocate IP addresses to networked devices automatically. It enables the addition or deletion of devices from the network without the need for manual IP address setting.

Difference between network topologies and network protocols

S.No.Network topologiesNetwork protocols
1.It Describes the physical and logical arrangement of devices in a network.It Defines the rules and conventions for data transmission between devices in a network.
2.Examples: Star, Bus, Ring, Mesh, Tree.Examples: TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DHCP, DNS.
3.It concerned with the way data is transmitted between devices.It concerned with the format and structure of the data being transmitted.
4.It affects the overall performance and scalability of a network.It affects the reliability and security of data transmission in a network.
5.It helps to determine the connectivity and accessibility of devices in a network.It helps to determine the compatibility and interoperability of devices in a network.
6.It can be changed to meet specific network requirements.It usually standardized and cannot be easily changed.
7.It can impact the cost and complexity of a network.It does not impact the cost and complexity of a network.
8.It determines the fault tolerance and resilience of a network.It determines the fault tolerance and resilience of a network.
9.Topologies affect the ability to add or remove devices from a network.They Do not affect the ability to add or remove devices from a network.
10.Topologies impact the speed and efficiency of data transmission in a network.Protocols impact the overhead and processing time of data transmission in a network.

This is all about the comparison between network topologies and network protocols. Hope you understood this topic.