1.2 Network Topologies Flashcards
Explain the Bus topology.
Single cable runs through the
area
◦ All devices connect to this cable
via network TAP
Potential single point of failure
Less wire typically needed
Common in early Ethernet
networks with coax cabling
Explain the Ring topology.
Each device connects to two
other devices
Single or bi-directional data
◦ Single ring not fault tolerant
Devices take turn transmitting
data
Uncommon today
Explain the Star/Hub-and-Spoke topology.
Centralized device to which all
hosts connect
◦ Typically a switch
Devices have an independent
connection to central device
◦ Provides fault tolerance unless
central device fails
Requires more wiring
◦ Typically uses twisted pair
Most common topology today
Explain the two types of Mesh topologies.
Full Mesh
◦ Every device connects to every
other device
Partial Mesh
◦ Most devices connect to most
◦ Compromise between a need for path redundancy and cost
devices
Allows an optimal path for
traffic
Highly fault tolerant
Explain Hybrid topologies.
Combine characteristics of
various topologies to create
blended network
Star-Bus Hybrid and Star-Ring
Hybrid are most common
Explain Peer-to-Peer networks.
Nodes send and receive
traffic directly to one another
◦ No switches, access points, etc.
Hosts often connect in an ad-hoc fashion
◦ “When necessary or needed”
Explain Client-Server networks.
Centralized Hardware or
Software Infrastructure used to
connect devices
◦ Routers, Switches, etc.
Devices may act as servers to
help to facilitate connections,
manage traffic, etc.
◦ e.g. DHCP running on a router
List the networks of geography in order from smallest to largest.
- PAN
- LAN (or WLAN)
- CAN
- MAN
- WAN
Explain what a SAN is.
Storage Area Network
Network dedicated to
transmitted stored data
Data centers
Emphasizes redundancy, fault tolerance, and maximum service up-time
