Network topology
Topology refer to the shape of a network. There are three basic physical topologies.
Star : there is a central device to which all the workstations are directly connected. This central position can be occupied by a server, or a hub, a connection point of the elements of a network that redistributes the data.
Bus : every workstation is connected to a main cable called a bus.
Ring : the workstations are connected to one another in a closed loop configuration.
There are also mixed topologies like the tree, a group of stars connected to a central bus.