7 Advantages And Disadvantages of Bus Topology | Limitations & Benefits of Bus Topology

Bus Topology is a network where devices are connected to each terminal end of a backbone cable in general. For this purpose, it can use either a coaxial cable or RJ-45 network cable (Based on the type of network card).

This linear cable connects various devices like laptops, Personal Computers, Copiers, Printers and Servers. Devices will be able to communicate and share resources with each other through this cable.

Once the information is passed along the backbone cable, the nodes in each terminal end checks if it matches the address. Only if it is matched the data is further passed onto a device. What makes bus topology unique in its linear type of approach. Linear connections are very much made easy here.

Although bus topology includes many benefits, it is not without drawbacks. Before implementing this network topology, you should carefully examine in pros and cons.

In this article, I will be exploring about 7 Advantages And Disadvantages of Bus Topology | Limitations & Benefits of Bus Topology. Through this post, you will know the pros and cons of using bus topology.

Let's get started,

Advantages of Bus Topology

1. Installation

Comparing to all other topologies, a bus topology is relatively a cheaper strategy to install. The reason for this is its linear nature. 

 

All that bus topology requires is a single backbone cable with several terminators at each end. Due to its cost effectiveness, many small businesses prefer to use this topology.


2. Cost Effective

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The overall cost involved in a bus topology network is comparatively less.This is because compared to other types of network topologies, the costs of cables are very much less here. 

 

Only a small length of cable is required which makes it more affordable.


3. Device Connection

All the computers and peripherals can be easily get connected to this topology without affecting the whole system. As long as the devices are having matched connection mechanism, it can be added to this network immediately. 

 

And those devices can also be easily shared among all the users in this network. For an example, if a printer is connected, multiple users will be able to use it simultaneously.


4. Robustness

In the bus topology, the failure of one workstation will not affect others on the network. The linear architecture of bus topology makes sure that the data always passes along the devices even if there is a failure. 

 

Thus, a effective uninterrupted communication is achieved.


5. Network Failure

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Bus topology uses a central file server rather than bus or switches. This type of setup is known to posses few number of failures compared to others. 

 

Additionally, the linear nature of bus topology ensures a free data flow all over the network. As a result, each terminal in this network can work efficiently.


6. Scalability

It is also possible to extend the size of bus topology. Two or more backbone cables can be easily connected using a connecter or a repeater so that more workstations could be added. 

 

And also, since bus topology permits wireless devices, there is no restrictions in the number of devices that can be connected.


7. Device Support

Bus topology is able to support various range of devices from printers, copiers, modems to routers. But only under the condition of being able to receive data packets. 

 

In addition to that, wireless devices such as smartphones can also get connected as long as it is having a wireless backbone.

Disadvantages of Bus Topology

1. Network Performance

The performance of bus topology network depends on the number of devices connected. Whenever more workstations are connected to this topology, there will be more data collisions which results in packet loss. 

 

Due to this, the network performance is severely affected. That is the reason why bus topology is not suitable for large networks with heavy traffic.


2. Security

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Bus topology is also weak when it comes to security. All the workstation in the bus topology network share a single backbone cable. 

 

This means that, each and every workstation will be able to access data of others. Thus, the only way to protect information is by creating security protocols to the entire network.


3. Maintenance

Even though bus topology is less expensive in terms of installation, it is certainly not in the long run. Bus topology involves very high maintenance costs due to the fact that it isn't scalable. 

 

Therefore, business especially those who look to expand potentially avoid using bus topology.


4. Central Failure

The entire network of bus topology depends on the backbone cable. If the backbone cable happens to encounter any failure, it will affect the whole system. 

 

Or else, the damages could result in the network splitting into two. Only the part that is before the damage will be able to function.


5. Size Restrictions

Although bus topology can be easily expanded by connecting more backbone cable, the number of devices a single backbone cable can support is limited. 

 

And also, since cable length is limited, there is a high possibility of data collisions to take place.


6. Quality Issues

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Data quality issues that occur in bus topology network cannot be ignored. When the bus topology is under heavy load, a significant amount of data is lost. The result of this can be seen in the quality of communication. 

 

Hence, it is not a good idea to expand the network. It is always recommended to stay with the original size.


7. Troubleshooting

 

Troubleshooting an error is a difficult task in bus topology due to its linear design. In case of a failure, it becomes difficult to identify the malfunctioning workstation. 

 

The only way to determine the fault is by testing individual connections.