Industrial Communication Guide

2.5.3. NETWORK TOPOLOGIES

A network topology is a graphical representation of how the devices are networked with one another. In industrial networks, the following types of topologies occur Point-to-point connection: The simplest connection is a point-to-point connection between two devices. This might be a connection between a PLC and a PC, for example. One key disadvantage here is that if a device has to communicate with several other devices, a separate connection has to be established in each case.

Line/bus topology: Connecting devices in series to form a line topology is also referred to as a bus topology. The devices are all connected to one transmission medium. Classic fieldbus systems such as PROFIBUS feature this type of topology.

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