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The term network topology refers to the shape of how the computers and other network components are connected to each other. Several different types of network topologies exist, each with advantages and disadvantages.

In the following discussion of network topologies, I use two important terms:

 Node: A node is a device that’s connected to the network. For your purposes here, a node is the same as a computer. Network topology deals with how the nodes of a network are connected to each other.

 Packet: A packet is a message that’s sent over the network from one node to another node. The packet includes the address of the node that sent the packet, the address of the node the packet is being sent to, and data.