The shape of a network can take many different forms and these topologies can be connected in various ways. The different topologies are Mesh, Bus, Ring and Star and each of them will be examined and their advantages and disadvantages will be explored. These networks can be connected via Ethernet, Token Ring, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), or wireless. We will also look at each of the connection methods and explain the differences. The term network topology refers to the physical arrangement of computers, cables, and other components that make up a network. Choosing one topology over another is important to the network professional and will impact the type of equipment the network needs, the capabilities of the equipment, the growth of the network, and how the network is managed. Different types of topologies each require different communication methods and these will also have an influence on the network. The first topology to discuss is the bus topology. It consists of devices connected to a shared common cable. Bus topology is the simplest and most common method of networking computers arranged in a straight line. The single cable that powers all the computers is known as a trunk (also called a backbone or segment), and it connects all the computers on the network into a single line. Computers communicate by directing data to a particular computer and sending the data over the wire via electronic signals. The signal is sent on the bus and only the computer whose address matches the address encoded in the original accepts the information. A disadvantage of the bus topology is that only one computer can send data at a time, which limits the number of computers that can be on the network. The more computers on the bus, the more computers will be waiting to upload data to the bus, slowing down network performance. Another disadvantage is that if the trunk breaks or is not terminated, the network will cease to function as the signal will bounce. The advantage of a bus network is that if one computer on the bus fails, it will not affect others on the bus. A star topology has pieces of cable from each computer connected to a central hub. Signals are transmitted from the sending computer through the hub to call computers on the network.