Selected topologies are then evaluated and compared. A network consists of links and nodes. The arrangement of these links and nodes is known as the network topology. The goal of the network provider is to minimize the cost incurred in provision of the network. Its is important to minimize the length of the links and the traffic carried by the links.
Hierarchy is a technique used in a network to gain the benefits from high capacity channels.
The gains made from economies of scale influence the selection of the network topology. The lowest cost topology is not always the optimal topology. Political, economic, geographical and environmental factors influence the route followed by links and location of nodes. The technology used to transmit data at different levels in the hierarchy influences the network topology. The advantages and disadvantages of different satellite and terrestrial topologies are discussed in the broadband transmission section.