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Subject:Re: Topology or Topography? From:"D. Margulis" <ampersandvirgule -at- WORLDNET -dot- ATT -dot- NET> Date:Fri, 26 Jun 1998 17:47:52 -0400
Dave,
Topology is a branch of mathematics that deals with the properties of
objects that are invariant as they are stretched and twisted. An old
adage is that a topologist is someone who cannot tell the difference
between a doughnut and a coffee cup. [Each is a torus.] Thus, when you
are looking at a network, the interesting things to the topologist are
the number of lines that come together at a hub, how the hubs are
connected to each other and so forth.
Topography is a branch of geography and deals with the shapes of land
forms. While there may be some use related to networks, I cannot imagine
what it is.
Dick
Dave Swenson wrote:
>
> What's the difference between Topology and Topography when describing
> networks setups? The on-line tech dictionary says Topology, as do many
> people here. HotBot, on the other hand seems to indicate a real-world
> preference for Topography. As for me, I think of -ology as the study of
> topo, i.e., surface characteristics and -graphy as drawings (writings)
> thereof. But which is correct? Thanks,
>
> David Swenson
> Technical Writer
> Trend Micro, Inc.
> Tel: (408) 863-6342
> Email: david_swenson -at- trendmicro -dot- com
> Check your hard drive for viruses: http://housecall.antivirus.com
>
