Distributed Network Topology

Go to Terms and Definitions

Discussion

A Distributed Network Topology arranges multiple networked Nodes so that the Nodes collectively provide the communication and coordination required by a Distributed System.

The topology distributes network participation across multiple Nodes rather than requiring all communication or coordination to pass through one central Node.

Characteristics of a Distributed Network Topology include:

Multiple interconnected NodesDirect or indirect communication among participating NodesDistribution of communication, processing, data, or coordination responsibilitiesContinued communication among remaining Nodes following the loss of a participating Node, when permitted by the governing architectureAbsence of a single Node through which every network interaction must passParticipating Nodes do not need to perform identical functions or possess equal authority.

The governing architecture assigns roles and responsibilities such as:

Producing dataConsuming dataRouting messagesProcessing requestsStoring dataReplicating dataValidating transactionsCoordinating stateProviding discoveryEnforcing policyA Distributed Network Topology differs from a Centralized Network Topology, in which participating Nodes depend on a central Node for primary communication, coordination, processing, or access to authoritative data.

A Distributed Network Topology also differs from a Distributed System:

A Distributed Network Topology describes the arrangement and interconnection of NodesA Distributed System describes the coordinated system behavior performed across those Nodes

Definition

network topology in which multiple interconnected Nodes collectively provide communication and coordination without requiring every interaction to pass through a single central Node

Source

DIDO Reference Architecture, Network Topology TaxonomyDIDO Reference Architecture, Distributed Network TopologyDido Solutions, Inc. and Jackrabbit Consulting, Inc.

Note

A Distributed Network Topology does not require every Node to:

Hold the same dataPerform the same processingCommunicate directly with every other NodePossess equal authorityProvide the same servicesRemain continuously availableThe governing architecture determines:

Node rolesCommunication pathsRouting behaviorData distributionState coordinationRedundancyFailure handlingDiscovery mechanismsSecurity controlsAuthority relationshipsA Distributed Network Topology can contain gateways, coordinators, directory services, or other specialized Nodes without becoming a Centralized Network Topology, provided those Nodes do not form a required central path for every network interaction.

The term does not prescribe peer-to-peer protocols, blockchain, distributed ledgers, consensus algorithms, message brokers, cloud computing, or a particular transport protocol.

Example

A deployment-management network contains multiple Nodes that exchange deployment requests, status information, and results.

Execution Nodes perform deployment operations, storage Nodes preserve records, and validation Nodes assess results. The Nodes perform different roles while participating in one Distributed Network Topology.

Loss of one execution Node does not prevent the remaining Nodes from communicating or performing the operations permitted by the governing architecture.

© 2026 Dido Solutions, Inc. and Jackrabbit Consulting, Inc.