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--- en:iot-reloaded:iot_network_topologies [2024/11/24 18:09] – pczekalski
+++ en:iot-reloaded:iot_network_topologies [2025/01/05 18:17] (current) – pczekalski
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== IoT Network Topologies ======
-<todo @pczekalski>Add figures to topologies</todo>
+IoT networks are structured networks in which nodes are organised according to a defined hierarchy. An IoT network topology is a given arrangement or configuration of IoT devices to form an IoT network.
+IoT network topology refers to the structural layout of devices (nodes) in an IoT network, shaping how devices communicate and how data flows between them. The choice of topology significantly impacts the network’s performance, reliability, scalability, and cost. Below is an expanded discussion of fundamental IoT network topologies, their attributes, advantages, challenges, and use cases.
-IoT networks are structured networks where IoT nodes are organised following a defined hierarchy. A given arrangement or configuration of IoT devices to form an IoT network is called an IoT network topology.
-IoT network topology refers to the structural layout of devices (nodes) in an IoT network, shaping how devices communicate and how data flows between them. The choice of topology significantly impacts the network’s performance, reliability, scalability, and cost. Below is an expanded discussion of key IoT network topologies, their attributes, advantages, challenges, and use cases.
 **1. Star Topology**
+<figure netstar>
+{{ :en:iot-reloaded:network_topologies-star.png?300 |Star Topology}}
+<caption>Star Topology</caption>
+</figure>
-In a star topology, all devices are connected directly to a central hub or gateway, which serves as the network’s communication and coordination point. The nodes are within the radio propagation of the gateway. Thus, they can communicate directly with the gateway, but if a node is out of the propagation or coverage range of the gateway, it is cut off from the network.
+In a star topology (figure {{ref>netstar}}), all devices are connected directly to a central hub or gateway, the network’s communication and coordination point. The nodes are within the radio propagation of the gateway. Thus, they can communicate directly with the gateway, but if a node is out of the propagation or coverage range of the gateway, it is cut off from the network.
 **Advantages**
@@ Line 14: / Line 15: @@
   * Simplicity: Straightforward design makes implementation and maintenance easier.
   * Failure Isolation: If a device fails, it does not affect other devices in the network.
-  * Ease of Management: Centralized communication simplifies monitoring and troubleshooting.
+  * Ease of Management: Centralised communication simplifies monitoring and troubleshooting.
   * Low Latency: Direct communication with the hub reduces delays in data transmission.
 **Disadvantages**
-  * Single Point of Failure: If the central hub fails, the entire network is disrupted.
+  * Single Point of Failure: The entire network is disrupted if the central hub fails.
   * Scalability Limits: The central hub can become a bottleneck as the number of devices increases.
   * Distance Constraints: Communication is limited by the maximum range between devices and the hub.
@@ Line 26: / Line 27: @@
   * Home Automation: Smart lighting, thermostats, and security cameras communicating with a central hub.
-  * Agricultural Monitoring: Sensors reporting soil and weather conditions to a centralized gateway.
+  * Agricultural Monitoring: Sensors reporting soil and weather conditions to a centralised gateway.
 **2. Tree Topology**
-Tree topology organizes devices hierarchically, with a root node at the top and subsequent devices forming branches at multiple levels. It is a structured extension of the star topology. In this type of topology, some of the nodes operate as relays for others. In this case, if one of the relay fails (crashes or experiences poor link quality), all the descendant nodes that depend on it will be disconnected from the network.
+<figure nettree>
+{{ :en:iot-reloaded:network_topologies-tree.png?400 | Tree Topology}}
+<caption>Tree Topology</caption>
+</figure>
+Tree topology (figure {{ref>nettree}}) organises devices hierarchically, with a root node at the top and subsequent devices forming branches at multiple levels. It is a structured extension of the star topology. In this type of topology, some nodes operate as relays for others. If one of the relays fails (crashes or experiences poor link quality), all the descendant nodes that depend on it will be disconnected from the network. \\
+There is a particular case of the tree-of-trees topology available (among others in Bluetooth) called Scatternet.
 **Advantages**
   * Scalability: Devices can be added at any level of the hierarchy, making it suitable for large networks.
-  * Organized Data Flow: Hierarchical design facilitates efficient routing and data aggregation.
+  * Organised Data Flow: Hierarchical design facilitates efficient routing and data aggregation.
   * Distributed Processing: Intermediate nodes can process data locally, reducing load on the root node.
@@ Line 40: / Line 46: @@
   * Higher-level Dependency: Failure at higher levels can disconnect entire branches of the network.
-  * Complex Setup: Requires careful planning and configuration to optimize performance.
+  * Complex Setup: Requires careful planning and configuration to optimise performance.
   * Maintenance Challenges: Troubleshooting issues in large tree networks can be time-consuming.
 **Use Cases**
-  * Smart Cities: Streetlights and traffic systems organized hierarchically.
+  * Smart Cities: Streetlights and traffic systems are organised hierarchically.
   * Industrial IoT: Layered monitoring systems for production lines or warehouses.
 **3. Mesh Topology**
+<figure netmesh>
-In a mesh topology, each device is interconnected with one or more devices, creating multiple communication paths. Mesh networks can be partial (some nodes connected) or full (all nodes interconnected). It extends the tree topology by adding redundant paths. Each node in the network has at least two neighbours to which the packet can be transmitted. Therefore, if some of the nodes fail the multi-hop networks or the traffic flow is not interrupted.
+{{ :en:iot-reloaded:network_topologies-mesh.png?400 |Mesh Topology}}
+<caption>Mesh Topology</caption>
+</figure>
+In a mesh topology (figure {{ref>netmesh}}), each device is interconnected with one or more devices, creating multiple communication paths. Mesh networks can be partial (some nodes connected) or full (all nodes interconnected). It extends the tree topology by adding redundant paths. Each node in the network has at least two neighbours to which the packet can be transmitted. Therefore, if some nodes fail, the multi-hop networks or the traffic flow will not be interrupted.
 **Advantages**
-  * High Reliability: Multiple paths ensure that communication continues even if some nodes fail.
+  * High Reliability: Multiple paths ensure communication continues even if some nodes fail.
   * Self-healing: Dynamic rerouting of data enhances robustness and fault tolerance.
-  * Scalability: New devices can be added without major reconfiguration.
+  * Scalability: New devices can be added without significant reconfiguration.
+  * Load balancing: The network can implement load balancing easily due to multiple routing paths.
   * Optimal Coverage: Mesh topology can extend communication over large areas.
 **Disadvantages**
-  * High Complexity: Implementation and management are challenging, especially in full mesh networks.
+  * High Complexity: Implementation and management are challenging, especially in entire mesh networks.
-  * Energy-intensive: Devices in the network require more power for constant communication and data forwarding.
+  * Advanced Network Stack: Software and hardware implementation of the network stack is more complex due to the need to implement routing mechanisms even for simple IoT nodes.
+  * Energy-intensive: Devices in the network usually require more power for constant communication and data forwarding in the always active nodes supporting data relay.
   * Higher Costs: Increased hardware requirements for maintaining multiple connections.
@@ Line 72: / Line 83: @@
 **4. Linear Topologies**
+<figure netlinear>
-Linear topology connects devices in a sequential line, with each node linked to its immediate neighbour.
+{{ :en:iot-reloaded:network_topologies-linear.png?400 |Linear Topology}}
+<caption>Linear Topology</caption>
+</figure>
+Linear topology (figure {{ref>netlinear}}) sequentially connects devices, linking each node to its immediate neighbours. A variation of this topology is a linear topology with redundancy, which allows each node to connect to its two adjacent neighbours both in front and behind. This setup provides backup routing capabilities in case one of the nodes fails. In linear topologies, all nodes, except for the last one, must be capable of functioning as data relays.
 **Advantages**
@@ Line 93: / Line 107: @@
 **5. Bus Topology**
+<figure netbus>
-In a bus topology, all devices share a common communication backbone, and data is broadcast across the bus.
+{{ :en:iot-reloaded:network_topologies-bus.png?400 |Bus Topology}}
+<caption>Bus Topology</caption>
+</figure>
+In a bus topology (figure {{ref>netbus}}), all devices share a common communication backbone, and data is broadcast across the bus.
 **Advantages**
@@ Line 114: / Line 131: @@
 **6. Ring Topology**
+<figure netring>
-Ring topology arranges devices in a closed loop, where data travels in one or both directions around the ring.
+{{ :en:iot-reloaded:network_topologies-ring.png?320 |Ring Topology}}
+<caption>Ring Topology</caption>
+</figure>
+Ring topology (figure {{ref>netring}}) arranges devices in a closed loop, where data travels around the ring in one or both directions.
 **Advantages**
@@ Line 135: / Line 155: @@
 **7. Hybrid Topology**
+<figure nethybrid>
-Hybrid topology combines elements of multiple topologies to create a customized network that leverages their strengths and minimizes weaknesses.
+{{ :en:iot-reloaded:network_topologies-hybrid.png?400 |Hybrid Topology}}
+<caption>Hybrid Topology</caption>
+</figure>
+Hybrid topology (figure {{ref>nethybrid}}) combines elements of multiple topologies to create a customised network that leverages their strengths and minimises weaknesses.
 **Advantages**
@@ Line 155: / Line 178: @@
   * Industrial IoT: Complex systems requiring multiple topology types for optimal performance.
-Choosing the right IoT network topology requires a careful evaluation of the application’s needs, including reliability, scalability, cost, and energy efficiency. Often, IoT deployments use a combination of topologies to optimize performance across diverse requirements. A deep understanding of each topology’s strengths and limitations is essential for designing effective IoT networks.
+Choosing the proper IoT network topology requires carefully evaluating the application’s needs, including reliability, scalability, cost, and energy efficiency. Often, IoT deployments use a combination of topologies to optimise performance across diverse requirements. Understanding each topology’s strengths and limitations is essential for designing effective IoT networks.

en/iot-reloaded/iot_network_topologies.1732471799.txt.gz · Last modified: 2024/11/24 18:09 by pczekalski