Simple Topology question

[SJ K]

Hi all,

From wiki

The cabling layout used to link devices is the physical topology of the network.

The logical topology in contrast, is the way that the signals act on the network media, or the way that the data passes through the network from one device to the next without regard to the physical interconnection of the devices.

In a normal switch setup whereby devices including routers are connected to the switch.

Physically, we would call it a star.

Logically, is it consider a mesh ?

Regards,
Noob

[Mark Malone · Accepted solution]

a physical topology would be your actual cabling and how things connect at layer 1 , there are many types from (extended)star to mesh token ring etc depending on your design

Your logical topology would be the higher layers like your layer 3 routing design or your layer 2 spanning tree setup its basically how devices communicate across your physical topology , your logical topology would usually contain vlan , routing , stp information where the physical may just contain the cabling and devices

A visio design would usually contain both in the 1 diagram but some would be separated depending how much is involved in the network , they can be broken down in specific layers across the same physical diagram each time just to show what each layer is doing and how it travels across the physical setup

If you check google images and show both it should show you some examples that might help