Network Topology
Topology
Topology is the shape of the communication plan and it provides an understanding of how each device in the communication plan is connected. Some common topologies are list below and a communications plan, especially for teams that have multiple work locations in a country, or globally, may have more than one topology in the plan.
Networks
Star Topology
Mesh
Radio
Simplex
Simplex is the most common radio topology and is a radio communicating directly with another radio, not does not retransmit the signal.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
No special equipment required | |
Duplex
Duplex topology uses a repeater to extend the range of radio communication. Repeaters can be fixed, or mobile, and are commonly positioned in high places to ensure maximum reach. Repeaters receive transmission on a pre-defined frequency and then retransmit at a much higher power output on a different frequency.
Public repeaters
Public repeaters are provided by governments or organisations such as amateur radio clubs or volunteer rescue agencies. With the increase in popularity and decrease in cost of celluar radio towers, public radio repeaters are less common than 20-30 years ago.
Private repeaters
Private repeaters are repeater stations that are owned and operated by private or government organisations for private use. Private repeaters require a licence from the agency that governs radio communication spectrums in each country and usually operate on privately licenced or restricted frequencies that consumer radios cannot access without illegal modifications.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
Significantly greater range than simplex | Public repeaters are becoming less common |
Private repeaters require a licence | |
Private repeaters are expensive | |
Private repeaters require maintenance | |
Public repeaters broadcast unencrypted communication over a larger area |