1.4 Network topologies

Question 1

topology of a network

Answer 1

describes how the devices are arranged and connected together

Question 2

star topology

Answer 2

each computer or client is connected individually to a central point or node, which can be a file server, hub, or switch

Question 3

mesh topology

Answer 3

each computer or client is connected to all the other computers in the network

each computer sends its own signal but also relays data from the others

mesh networks are commonly used with wireless networks where there is high demand

Question 4

advantages and disadvantages of using a star network

Answer 4

• data is only directed to the intented computer
• network traffic is kept to a minimum
• if one link fails, all the other devices will continue to operate
• easy to add new devices without disrupting the networks
• if the central point fails, then so will the entire network
• requires a lot of cables as each computer is connected individually to the central component

Question 5

advantages and disadvantages of using a mesh network

Answer 5

• data can be transmitted from different devices simultaneously
• if one component fails, there is always an alternative route for data
• can handle high volumes of data traffic
• adding more devices will not slow the transmission
• difficult to manage and requires expert supervision
• overall cost is high, more cable is required unless a wireless network is used

Question 6

A small business has set up a network with a star topology.

Give three reasons why the business might choose a star topology for a LAN [3]

Answer 6

it is easy to add new devices without disrupting the network

data can be sent only to the intended recipient without having to send it to all the computers, which increases the efficiency of the network as there will be less network traffic

if one computer fails it does not affect the rest of the network and the work of the business will be able to continue

Question 7

State what is meant by the term ‘network topology’ [1]

Answer 7

a network topology describes how the devices are arranged on a network and connected together

Question 8

With the aid of a diagram, describe a mesh network topology [3]

Answer 8

each of the computers is connected to all of the others

every computer sends its own signals but also relays data from the others

Question 9

Explain one advantage of a mesh network over a star network [2]

Answer 9

adding more devices will not slow down the data transmission as all nodes help to transmit the data