1.5 - Compare and contrast network topologies

Question 1

Bus Topology

Answer 1

Computers and other network devices are cabled together in a line

Question 2

Ring Topology

Answer 2

Computers and other network devices are cabled together with the last device connected to the first to form a circle, or ring. This category includes both ring and dual-ring topologies.

Question 3

Star Topology

Answer 3

A central cabling device connects the computers and other network devices. This category includes both star and extended-star topologies.

Question 4

Dual-Ring Topology

Answer 4

In a dual-ring topology, two rings allow data to be sent in both directions. This setup creates redundancy (fault tolerance), meaning that if one ring fails, data can be transmitted on the other ring

Question 5

Full-Mesh Topology

Answer 5

The full-mesh topology connects all devices (or nodes) to one another for redundancy and fault tolerance. Implementing a full-mesh topology is expensive and difficult. This method is the most resistant to failures because the failure of any single link does not affect reachability in the network.

Question 6

Partial-Mesh Topology

Answer 6

In a partial-mesh topology, at least one device maintains multiple connections to all other devices, without having all other devices fully meshed. This method trades off the cost of meshing all devices by allowing the network designer to choose which nodes are the most critical and appropriately interconnect them.

Question 7

DSL

Answer 7

Digital subscriber line

Question 8

CSU/DSU

Answer 8

channel service unit (CSU)/digital service unit (DSU)