The topology of the network is the first step design and form a network, is the basis for the realization of various protocols, the performance good will on the performance of the network topology structure, system reliability and cost of advantage. Sensor network is not exceptional also, various types of complex network topology structure and the relationship between the network transmission clearly shows that it has essential difference with the traditional network topology. In sensor network due to the constant change of the sensor node status, thereby causing the changing of the topology of the network, to study the significance of sensors in the network topology is very important.

       Network topology on the general concept refers to the various nodes in a network of interconnected, research network topological structure of general network physical connection aside, if use graphics to express to form the network topology. If in terms of computer network, computer network topology is through the computer network of various nodes and communication lines to represent the geometry relations between the network structure, and reflect the relationship between the structure of the network of each entity. Topology is given in the network server equipment, workstations, network configuration and the connection between each other.

        The topology of the sensor network research is more of a macro network communication behavior and motivation. Sensor network as a network of the future, and protocol cannot adapt to the existing topology, it has the following characteristics: the sensor network is a distributed peer-to-peer mode without center, network node position is equal, each node coordinate to complete control of the network. Sensor network topology structure based on the premise of saving energy, therefore in the network topology structure design to improve transmission efficiency as the goal. Sensors in the network topology structure dynamic, as the node state change (temporary failure, permanent failure, a new node joins) network topology changes. Sensor network topology structure, the main research of macro level node topology structure, including network transmission problem, various network layout (rule network, random network, small-world networks and scale-free networks) for network transmission rate and the influence of the relationship between the transmission price.