The shape of a network can take many different forms and these topologies can be connected through a variety of means. The different topologies are Mesh, Bus, Ring and Star and each will be examined along with their advantages and disadvantages explored. These networks can be connected via Ethernet, Token Ring, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), or wirelessly. Each of the connection methods will also be analyzed and the differences will be explained. 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 network is managed. Different types of topologies each require different communication methods and these will also influence the network. The first topology to address is the bus topology. It consists of devices connected to a common shared cable. Bus topology is the simplest and most common method of computer networking, with computers installed in a straight line. The single cable that powers all computers is called a trunk (also called backbone or segment) and connects all computers on the network on a single line. Computers communicate by addressing the data to a certain computer and sending the data down the cable via electronic signals. The signal is sent on the bus and only the computer whose address matches the address coded 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 there are on the bus, the more computers there will be waiting to put data on the bus and will slow down network performance. Another disadvantage is that if the network line goes down or is no longer terminated, the network will stop working since the signal will bounce around. The advantage of a bus network is that if one computer on the bus fails, it will not affect the 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..