Network topology affects everything from speed and reliability to security and scalability, making it a key part of enterprise networking. The right setup keeps traffic moving efficiently, while a poorly planned design leads to slow connections, security gaps, and costly downtime.

Our article will break down:

• What network topology is and why it matters
• How physical and logical topologies shape a network
• The best setups for small, mid-sized, and enterprise-level businesses
• Which topologies are outdated, and which ones dominate today’s networks
• How modern trends like 5G, SD-WAN, and IoT are changing network design
• How Meter can help with your network

What is network topology?

Network topology is how everything in a network connects—both physically and logically. It’s the blueprint that decides how devices talk to each other, how data moves, and how well the whole system holds up under pressure. A smart network topology keeps things running efficiently. A bad topology setup gets you sluggish connections and frustrated IT teams.

What is enterprise network topology? Differences from regular networks

Enterprise network topology is built for businesses that can’t afford downtime. It’s designed to handle heavy traffic, keep things secure, and scale easily. Home networks only need to stream movies and keep Wi-Fi working. But enterprise setups focus on more major concerns like:

• Redundancy
• Load balancing
• Security

It's because when a network outage costs thousands per minute, you need something more than a basic router from the electronics store.

Benefits of understanding network topology

Figuring out the right network topology isn’t just a box to check—it’s what keeps data moving, prevents network meltdowns, and saves money. A bad layout leads to slow connections, frustrated employees, and IT teams questioning their career choices. Here’s why getting it right pays off.

Fewer slowdowns, better performance

A solid network topology keeps traffic moving in the right direction. No unnecessary detours, no bottlenecks—just smooth, uninterrupted data flow that keeps everything from video calls to cloud apps running without a hitch.

Growth without the headaches

Adding new devices shouldn’t feel like defusing a bomb. A well-planned topology structure lets businesses expand without tearing everything apart and starting over.

Faster troubleshooting when things go wrong

A clear network layout makes it easier to track down issues. Instead of digging through tangled configurations, IT teams can spot problems, fix them fast, and move on with their day.

Lower equipment costs

More hardware doesn’t always mean better performance. A smart network topology design avoids unnecessary cables, switches, and routers—cutting costs without cutting corners.

Stronger security

A disorganized network is a hacker’s dream. A structured topology layout helps control access, limit vulnerabilities, and stop security threats before they spread.

Less downtime, fewer complaints

When a network is designed with redundancy in mind, a single failure doesn’t take everything offline. That means fewer angry emails, fewer emergency fixes, and more uptime.

More control over network traffic

The right topology type helps IT teams manage bandwidth better. Critical applications get priority, while non-urgent traffic (like that one employee streaming 4K cat videos) doesn’t slow down the whole system.

Easier remote management

With cloud-based tools and remote work on the rise, IT teams need networks they can manage from anywhere. A structured network topology makes remote troubleshooting and updates far less painful.

Better Wi-Fi coverage

Messy networks lead to Wi-Fi dead zones. A well-planned network layout ensures strong, consistent coverage everywhere—from conference rooms to the break room where everyone hides during meetings.

Longer hardware lifespan

Overloading network devices shortens their lifespan. A balanced topology setup spreads traffic efficiently, keeping hardware from working overtime and failing too soon.

Types of network topologies

Every network has a structure—how devices connect, how data flows, and how everything interacts. That structure is called network topology, and it comes in two flavors—physical topology and logical topology. Looking at network design examples helps businesses choose the best setup for performance and scalability.

Physical topology is all about what you can see—how cables, switches, and routers are physically arranged. A star topology, for example, has everything linked to a central hub, while a mesh topology connects multiple devices to each other for redundancy.

Logical topology, on the other hand, is about how data moves through the network, regardless of physical connections. A bus topology may not have a single shared cable anymore, but data can still travel along a shared virtual path, making it a logical bus network.

LANs and WANs each use different topology types based on scale and purpose.

Local area networks (LANs) cover smaller spaces, like offices or buildings, and prioritize speed, efficiency, and easy maintenance. A star topology is common in LANs because it simplifies troubleshooting and keeps traffic organized.

Wide area networks (WANs) span cities, countries, or even continents, connecting multiple LANs together. They need topologies that support long-distance communication, redundancy, and traffic management. A mesh topology or hub-and-spoke setup is often used to keep data flowing efficiently across locations.

Physical LAN topologies

A physical LAN topology is exactly what it sounds like—it’s how devices physically connect in a network. Some setups are sleek and efficient, while others are outdated relics from the early days of networking.

The right layout depends on performance needs and the network infrastructure devices in use. Let’s break down the most common (and not-so-common) layouts.

Bus topology—The relic of early networks

Once upon a time, bus topology was the standard for local networks. Every device connected to a single backbone cable, sending and receiving data in a straight line like cars on a one-lane road. It was simple, cheap, and easy to set up.

Then reality hit. A single break in the cable could bring down the entire network. More devices meant more collisions, slowing everything down. Troubleshooting? A nightmare, because every device was fighting for the same space on that one cable.

Is bus topology still used?

Not really. Bus topology has mostly been retired, except in a few legacy systems or small, temporary networks where cost is the only concern.

Pros:

• Dirt cheap
• Minimal setup

Cons:

• One failure, and the whole network drops
• Slowdowns increase as more devices are added

Star topology—The workhorse of modern LANs

Star topology is everywhere—offices, schools, retail stores, you name it. Every device connects to a central switch, which directs traffic and prevents the chaos of older designs. If one device fails, it won’t take down the network.

The biggest downside is that if the central switch goes offline, then everything stops working. But since modern switches are affordable, fast, and reliable, star topology remains the go-to choice for most wired networks.

Is star topology still used?

Absolutely. This is the most common LAN topology today.

Pros:

• Reliable
• Easy to expand
• Troubleshooting is a breeze

Cons:

• If the switch dies, the whole network is toast

Ring topology—The museum exhibit

In a ring topology, devices form a closed loop, passing data in one direction (or both, if redundancy is built in). The benefit? No data collisions, making it predictable and efficient.

The problem is that if one device fails, the whole ring is disrupted—unless it’s a dual-ring setup, where traffic can reroute. Token Ring networks made this topology popular in the 1980s and 1990s, but ethernet advancements quickly pushed it aside.

Is ring topology still used?

Not really. Some industrial networks and specialized systems still use variations of it, but for general networking, it’s obsolete.

Pros:

• Predictable data flow
• No collisions

Cons:

• A single point of failure unless redundancy is built in

Mesh topology—Overkill for most, but unbeatable for reliability

If star topology is the reliable sedan of networking, mesh topology is the bulletproof armored truck. Every device connects to multiple others, creating backup routes in case something fails. In a full mesh, every device links to every other device, offering ultimate redundancy. A partial mesh reduces costs by connecting only key devices in multiple ways.

Its main problem is cost and complexity. The more connections you have, the harder it is to maintain. But for high-priority networks—think data centers, financial institutions, and mission-critical enterprise systems—mesh topology is worth it.

Is mesh topology still used?

Yes, but mostly for high-end enterprise networks. Most businesses don’t need the extreme redundancy it provides.

Pros:

• Near-total fault tolerance
• Automatic rerouting

Cons:

• Expensive
• Complex
• A nightmare to manage at scale

Tree topology—A corporate favorite

A tree topology is what happens when multiple star topologies are stacked together in a hierarchical design. It’s common in large office buildings, universities, and corporate networks where different departments need separate but interconnected networks.

Issues present themselves if a core switch fails because then multiple branches of the network go down. But with redundancy built in, tree topology offers a good mix of scalability and performance.

Is tree topology still used?

Yes, especially in enterprise settings where multiple networks need to function as one.

Pros:

• Scalable
• Easy to organize

Cons:

• If a central connection point fails, multiple sections go offline.

Hybrid topology—The best of everything

A hybrid topology takes elements from different topology types to create a best network topology for a given situation. A business might use star topology for office computers, mesh topology for its data center, and tree topology to link everything together.

The only real drawback is that designing and managing a hybrid topology requires planning. Still, for businesses that need both performance and scalability, it’s the best option.

Is hybrid topology still used?

Absolutely. Most modern enterprise networks are hybrid in some way.

Pros:

• Flexible
• Scalable
• Adaptable

Cons:

• Needs careful planning and more advanced management

Logical LAN topologies

A logical LAN topology defines how data moves through the network, separate from how devices are physically connected. Think of it like traffic patterns in a city—the roads (physical topology) stay the same, but the way traffic flows (logical topology) can change based on rules, traffic signals, and routing decisions.

Some logical topologies mirror their physical counterparts, while others exist only at the data layer.

Logical bus topology

Data moves along a shared virtual pathway, even if the physical setup doesn’t resemble a traditional bus topology. Devices listen for data meant for them, ignoring the rest. Ethernet networks originally functioned this way before switching became standard.

Still relevant?

Rarely. Modern ethernet networks no longer rely on shared channels since switching has taken over. It's still used in some legacy coaxial ethernet setups, but it’s mostly an outdated model.

Pros:

• Simple design
• Minimal infrastructure need

Cons:

• Prone to congestion
• No redundancy
• A single failure can impact multiple devices

Logical ring topology

Data travels in a structured loop, controlling access with a system like token passing. Unlike physical rings, logical ring topology can exist in networks physically wired as stars but functioning as rings at the data level (e.g., Token Ring, FDDI).

Still relevant?

Almost entirely obsolete. Token Ring was phased out in favor of switched ethernet. Some industrial networks and specialized legacy systems may still use it, however.

Pros:

• Predictable data flow
• Fewer collisions compared to early ethernet

Cons:

• If a single device fails, the network can break unless redundancy is built in.

Logical star topology

All data traffic is managed by a central device, usually a switch. Even if a network physically follows another topology type, the logical topology might still behave as a star, with all communication flowing through a single point of control.

Still relevant?

Yes, this is the standard for most modern LANs using ethernet and Wi-Fi. You'll find it in offices, data centers, cloud networks—pretty much everywhere.

Pros:

• Easy to manage
• Scalable
• Widely supported by modern ethernet and Wi-Fi networks

Cons:

• If the central switch fails, all connected devices will lose communication

Switched topology

Most modern LANs use switches to create direct logical paths between devices instead of broadcasting data to the entire network. This significantly reduces congestion and increases efficiency.

Still relevant?

Yes, this is the backbone of switched ethernet networks today. You can find it in virtually every wired business network.

Pros:

• Reduces congestion
• Improves efficiency
• Eliminates unnecessary traffic

Cons:

• Requires managed switches for advanced traffic control, which can increase costs

Broadcast topology

Devices on the network receive every data packet, and each device determines whether the packet is meant for them. This setup is common in networks where broadcasting is needed, such as ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) in ethernet.

Still relevant?

Yes, but primarily in specific networking functions rather than whole-network design. It's used in ethernet broadcasting, Wi-Fi networks, and discovery protocols.

Pros:

• Useful for discovery protocols
• Ensures that necessary information reaches all devices

Cons:

• Inefficient for large networks—excessive broadcasting can slow things down

Virtualized and software-defined topologies (SDN-based logical topology)

With the rise of virtual networks and SDN (Software-Defined Networking), logical topology has become more flexible. Network traffic can be dynamically rerouted based on real-time conditions, independent of physical connections.

Still relevant?

Increasingly common, especially in cloud and data center environments.

Pros:

• Highly flexible
• Scalable
• Adaptable for cloud-based networking

Cons:

• Requires SDN-compatible hardware and expertise to configure properly

Physical WAN topologies

Physical WAN topology determines how remote networks connect across large distances. Unlike LANs, where speed and simplicity are the priorities, WANs focus on reliability, cost-efficiency, and scalability. Since WANs often rely on leased infrastructure—fiber lines, satellite links, or MPLS circuits—topology choices directly affect performance and cost.

Some WAN topologies are designed for efficiency, while others focus on redundancy or cost savings. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used physical WAN topologies and how they stack up.

Point-to-point topology—The VIP lane of networking

A point-to-point (P2P) topology is the simplest way to connect two locations. Think of it as a dedicated private road between two cities—direct, secure, and fast. Unlike shared networks, point-to-point links don’t have traffic jams or detours.

These connections typically use fiber, leased lines, or dedicated microwave links. They’re common in financial institutions, government agencies, and data centers that need low-latency and high-security communication between sites.

The downside is that point-to-point connections are expensive and don’t scale well. Each new location requires another direct connection, which can get costly fast.

Is point-to-point topology still used?

Yes, but selectively. Most businesses use it for critical traffic while relying on scalable topologies for general networking.

Pros:

• No competing traffic, no bandwidth sharing
• Perfect for real-time applications

Cons:

• Dedicated circuits cost far more than shared infrastructure.
• Each new connection requires a new leased line.

Hub-and-spoke topology—The corporate standard

A hub-and-spoke topology works exactly like an airport system—branch offices (spokes) connect to a central hub, but they don’t communicate directly with each other. Instead, all traffic flows through the hub, which acts as the main controller.

This setup is common in retail chains, financial institutions, and enterprises that need centralized data access. Businesses using MPLS, VPNs, or SD-WAN often rely on a hub-and-spoke design.

While cost-effective, this topology has a major weakness—if the hub goes down, every spoke loses access. Latency can also be an issue, since data has to take extra hops through the hub before reaching its destination.

Is hub-and-spoke topology still used?

Yes, but it’s evolving. Many businesses now integrate SD-WAN to allow direct branch-to-branch communication when needed.

Pros:

• A single connection to the hub instead of multiple direct links
• Traffic is monitored and controlled centrally

Cons:

• If the hub fails, the entire network suffers.
• Traffic must pass through the hub before reaching other branches.

Mesh topology—The no-downtime solution

A mesh WAN topology is like the overachiever of network designs—it makes sure every site has a backup plan. If one link goes down, traffic just takes another route, no big deal. In a full mesh, every location connects directly to every other one, making it ultra-reliable but also very expensive. Think of it as giving every office its own private highway system—great for speed, not so great for the budget.

A partial mesh is the more reasonable version. Instead of linking every site to every other one, only key locations get direct connections, while others rely on a hub-and-spoke setup for less critical traffic. This keeps costs in check while still offering strong redundancy.

Mesh networks are a favorite for ISPs, big businesses, banks, and government systems—basically, anywhere that downtime equals disaster. The catch? The more connections you have, the more complex things get. Keeping a full mesh running right means using advanced routing protocols like BGP or OSPF to make sure traffic doesn’t turn into a tangled mess.

That’s why if you need high reliability and don’t mind a complex (and pricey) setup, mesh WAN is the way to go. Just be ready to explain the budget to your finance team.

Is mesh topology still used?

Yes, but mostly in high-end enterprise and ISP networks. Most businesses use partial mesh to balance reliability with cost.

Pros:

• Traffic automatically reroutes when a connection fails.
• Get faster direct connections between locations without needing a central hub.

Cons:

• Each new connection adds infrastructure and management costs.
• It requires strong routing protocols and monitoring tools.

Hybrid WAN topology—The best of everything

A hybrid WAN topology mixes point-to-point, hub-and-spoke, and mesh elements to balance cost, reliability, and performance.

For example, a business might use:

• Point-to-point connections for high-priority traffic between HQ and data centers
• Hub-and-spoke for branch offices
• Partial mesh for regional locations that require redundancy

This topology is ideal for enterprises shifting to cloud-based networking. Many companies moving from traditional MPLS to SD-WAN use a hybrid model, combining private circuits, broadband, and LTE/5G for optimal performance.

Is hybrid WAN topology still used?

Absolutely. Hybrid WAN is the future for businesses optimizing performance and cost.

Pros:

• Critical links get dedicated connections, while secondary traffic uses shared infrastructure.
• Businesses can mix and match based on performance needs.

Cons:

• Routing policies need to be carefully designed.
• Integrating multiple connection types can add challenges.

Logical WAN topologies

Unlike LANs, where logical and physical networks often match, WANs use virtual setups to improve performance. Here are the most common logical WAN topologies.

SD-WAN—The smart traffic director

SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN) is a modern way to manage WAN traffic. It chooses the best path for data in real time. It can send traffic over broadband, MPLS, LTE, or 5G, based on network conditions.

For example, a company might use fiber for important data. At the same time, it sends low-priority traffic over a cheaper broadband link. If the main link slows down, SD-WAN moves traffic to a better option without disruption.

Still relevant?

Yes. It has replaced many traditional MPLS networks.

Pros:

• Improves performance by picking the best route automatically
• Cuts costs by using cheaper broadband instead of expensive circuits
• Increases security with built-in encryption and traffic controls

Cons:

• Needs SD-WAN appliances or cloud controllers
• Setup can be complex—traffic rules must be carefully planned

Logical mesh topology—Redundancy without extra cables

In a physical mesh WAN, every location has direct links to many others. That can be expensive. A logical mesh WAN works differently. Even if locations don’t have direct cables, smart routing protocols like BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) and OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) create backup paths.

For example, if a branch office needs to reach another branch, it doesn’t need a direct line. The network finds the fastest available route using logical paths instead of physical ones.

Still relevant?

Yes. It is common in large enterprise networks and ISPs that need reliability but can’t afford full physical mesh networks.

Pros:

• It adds reliability without needing every location to have a direct link.
• Traffic reroutes itself when a primary connection fails.

Cons:

• It requires advanced routing knowledge to manage.
• This option can cause inefficiencies if routing policies aren’t optimized.

Overlay networks—The invisible layer that connects everything

An overlay network is a virtual WAN setup. It runs on top of existing physical networks. It creates flexible, logical paths across broadband, MPLS, VPNs, or cloud services.

For example, a company might use the public internet to connect remote offices through a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Even though the internet is public, the VPN acts like a private, encrypted network. Similarly, MPLS and cloud-based networks use tunnels to send traffic securely over shared infrastructure.

Still relevant?

Yes. They are a key part of modern WANs. Most businesses use MPLS, VPNs, or cloud-based networking in some form.

Pros:

• Works on any physical network, making it very flexible
• Creates secure connections across multiple locations without needing dedicated lines

Cons:

• It can slow down traffic due to encryption and tunneling overhead.
• Performance depends on the base network—if the connection is slow, so is the overlay.

Common challenges in network topology design

The way a network is built affects performance, security, and future growth. A great design can boost speed and reliability, but a bad one can cause bottlenecks, security gaps, and high costs.

Every topology has its downsides. Some don’t scale well, while others cost too much or require constant maintenance. Here are the biggest challenges businesses face when setting up a network topology and how they can impact performance.

High costs

Building a network topology takes time, money, and planning. Complex designs, like mesh or hybrid networks, need extra equipment and expert setup. Even simpler options, like star or tree topology, can get pricey when adding backup links and security features.

Scalability problems

Some topologies struggle when a network grows. Bus topology slows down as more devices join. Ring topology becomes inefficient since data must pass through each device. Even a star topology can fail if the main switch gets overloaded. Hybrid networks scale the best but take more planning.

Security risks

A bad network topology can lead to weak spots. Bus and star networks are easy to attack since they rely on a few main points. If a hacker gains access, they can listen in on data or even bring down the whole system. Mesh and hybrid networks offer better security, but only if set up correctly.

Maintenance challenges

Bigger networks need constant monitoring. Mesh networks have many connections, making them harder to manage. Hybrid topologies require a careful balance of traffic flow. Without regular updates, systems can slow down due to errors, congestion, or old hardware.

How does the topology design affect your network?

A network topology decides how fast your data moves, how secure your setup is, and how easy it is to grow. Get it right, and your network runs like a well-oiled machine. Get it wrong, and you’re stuck facing the challenges listed above.

Bigger networks need smarter designs

A small office with a few devices can get by with basic topologies like star or bus. But large businesses need networks that scale. Hybrid and mesh topologies handle more traffic and devices without slowing to a crawl.

More speed means more dollars

Network design isn't free. Some topologies cost more because they need extra cabling, switches, or routers. Full mesh networks are great, but they’ll make your IT budget cry. If money is tight, star topology gives solid performance without breaking the bank.

Slow networks make bad first impressions

No one likes laggy video calls or slow-loading files. If your business depends on real-time applications—like VoIP, live streams, or financial transactions—you need a low-latency setup. Switched networks and mesh topologies keep things moving fast, so no one has to yell, "Can you hear me now?"

Future-proofing beats rebuilding

Tech changes fast. Your network should keep up. If adding new devices feels like surgery, it’s time to rethink your design. A well-planned network installation makes scaling painless. Hybrid networks make expansion easy, while older layouts like bus and ring can leave you redoing everything from scratch.

Emerging trends in network topology

Networks aren’t what they used to be. Businesses need faster speeds, more flexibility, and fewer wires tying them down. That means network topology is evolving fast. Here’s what’s shaping the future of connectivity.

IoT is making networks less predictable

Smart devices are everywhere. Sensors, cameras, and even coffee machines are now part of business networks. The problem is that old-school topologies weren’t built for this flood of devices. Mesh and hybrid networks are stepping up, giving IoT gadgets multiple paths to communicate and reducing single points of failure.

5G is pushing networks beyond cables

The days of relying on wires for everything are fading. Now 5G speeds are making wireless networks more reliable than ever. Businesses are using distributed topologies with edge computing, meaning data doesn’t always have to travel back to a central hub. That makes everything faster, more responsive, and better suited for real-time applications.

Cloud-based networks are taking over

Physical infrastructure is great—until it’s not. More businesses are moving to cloud-first networking, where software, not cables, decides how traffic flows. Software-defined networking (SDN) lets companies scale on demand, control traffic virtually, and spend less on hardware.

How to choose the right network topology

Picking a network topology isn’t just about what works today—it’s about what keeps working as your business grows. The right setup balances cost, performance, and reliability while making expansion easier and troubleshooting less painful.

Some topologies are great for small setups but struggle at scale. Others cost more upfront but save money in the long run. The key is choosing a design that fits your traffic needs, security concerns, and future growth plans.

Which topology is the best?

The best network topology depends on the business. A small office doesn’t need the same setup as a multi-site enterprise dealing with massive data flows. The right choice depends on business size, growth plans, and how much downtime you’re willing to tolerate before people start complaining.

Best small business topology

If your business fits in one building and your biggest IT problem is the office Wi-Fi cutting out, you don’t need anything too fancy. Star topology is your best bet. Every device connects to a central switch or router, making it simple, reliable, and easy to fix if something goes wrong.

A small business doesn’t need full redundancy or complex routing, but it does need speed and stability. A star topology with a solid Wi-Fi setup gets the job done without requiring a full-time IT team.

Best mid-sized business topology

When a business grows, so do its network headaches. More employees, more devices, and maybe even multiple locations mean it’s time for an upgrade. A hybrid topology makes the most sense here. It combines star, mesh, and tree topologies so that different departments or locations can get the best mix of performance and reliability.

For example, a main office might use star topology, while remote offices connect using point-to-point links or SD-WAN. This setup keeps costs reasonable while allowing for growth without needing a complete redesign.

Best enterprise-level business topology

Enterprises deal with huge amounts of data, multiple locations, and no room for failure. That’s where mesh and hybrid topologies take over. Full mesh networks offer built-in redundancy, meaning if one connection fails, data finds another path. SD-WAN is also key, optimizing traffic between sites to prevent slowdowns.

Enterprise network infrastructure often mixes different topologies—using mesh for critical systems, hybrid for flexibility, and SD-WAN for cost-efficient, high-performance networking. The goal is speed, uptime, and scalability without IT constantly putting out fires.

Optimize your network with Meter

A strong network topology is key to maintaining a reliable, scalable, and high-performance network. At Meter, we simplify the process with fully managed solutions that eliminate complexity.

How Meter improves network topology:

• Vertically integrated networking: Our access points, switches, and security appliances work together seamlessly.
• Managed experience: We handle design, ISP management, and ongoing maintenance.
• Installation without complications: Share a floor plan, and we’ll plan, install, and maintain the network.
• Intuitive software: Use our dashboard for real-time monitoring or customize controls with Meter Command.
• OpEx pricing model: Pricing is based on square footage instead of large upfront investments.
• Easy expansion: Whether scaling up or relocating, we adjust the network to match business needs.

Schedule a demo to see how Meter simplifies network management.