Logical Topology
If a description of physical topology is the way hardware and cable are connected to form a network, then a definition of logical topology is the path data travels through the physical infrastructure from one computer to another. Often the data path has very little relation to the physical layout of a network.
For example, in an Ethernet network the datapath can differ from the physical topology. If the network is on a single strand of coaxial cable, it would be both a physical and logical bus topology. However, if (as is more common in larger networks) the network is laid out with individual network hosts wired to a hub, that would be a physical star topology. Nevertheless, the data always travels in a logical bus topology.
A
Logical Bus operating on a Physical Star
Useful Links
Boise State University College of Business & Economics | CIS/PM Department IS380 Telecommunications Syllabus
Caresystems.com Glossary of Network Terms