1.3.Bus Topology

1.One cable is used per network segment.

Benefit : Less cable is required to install a bus topology, as compared with other topologies.

Drawback : Because a single cable is used per network segment, the cable becomes a potential single point of failure.

2.To maintain appropriate electrical characteristics of the cable, the cable requires a terminator (of a specific resistance) at each end of the cable.

Benefit : Depending on the media used by the bus, a bus topology can be less expensive.

Drawback : Troubleshooting a bus topology can be difficult because problem isolation might necessitate an inspection of multiple network taps to make sure they either have a device connected or they are properly terminated.

3.Network components tap directly into the cable via a connector such as a T connector or a vampire tap.

Drawback : An error condition existing on one device on the bus can impact performance of other devices on the bus.

4.Bus topologies were popular in early Ethernet networks.

Benefit : Installation of a network based on a bus topology is easier than some other topologies, which might require extra wiring to be installed.

Drawback : Adding devices to a bus might cause an outage for other users on the bus.