Network topology

Computer networks may be classified according to the network topology
upon which the network is based, such as Bus network, Star network,
Ring network, Mesh network, Star-bus network, Tree or Hierarchical
topology network, etc.

Network Topology signifies the way in which intelligent devices in the
network see their logical relations to one another. The use of the
term "logical" here is significant. That is, network topology is
independent of the "physical" layout of the network. Even if networked
computers are physically placed in a linear arrangement, if they are
connected via a hub, the network has a Star topology, rather than a
Bus Topology. In this regard the visual and operational
characteristics of a network are distinct; the logical network
topology is not necessarily the same as the physical layout.