Network topology
There are several different topologies of Computer networks. Here are several, with diagrams:
Bus topology
A "bus network" is hooked together like stops on a Public Bus route, one after the other. Bus networks usually require terminators at each end of the network, to prevent echo of the signal.
Ring topology
A "ring network" is literally in the shape of a ring; devices reach each other by passing data around in a ring. Physical ring networks often use two or more rings to add a level of redundancy if one of the rings should fail.
Star topology
A star network has nodes surrounding a central point, so that it resembles a star when drawn.
Network topologies can be either physical or logical; meaning the software running over a physical Star network can use tokens passed around (Tokens are used on ring networks.)
An example of a implementation using a physical ring network is fiber distributed data interface. Another is Token ring networks, which can be implemented physically or logically.