Chaper 10 - Network Topologies

Question 1

Network Topologies

Answer 1

The topology of a network refers to its physical as well as logical arrangement. The four
principle physical network topologies are:

• Bus
• Ring
• Star
• Mesh

Question 2

Bus

Answer 2

In a bus network, all of the nodes in the network are connected to a single conductor. A break in the network conductor will cause some or the entire network to
stop functioning. Early Ethernet networks consisting of thinnet coaxial cabling were bus networks.

Question 3

Ring

Answer 3

All of the nodes are connected to exactly two other nodes, forming a circular loop. Breaking any conductor will cause the network to stop functioning

Question 4

Star

Answer 4

All nodes are connected to a central device. A break in a conductor will
disconnect only one node, and the remaining nodes will continue functioning. Ethernet networks are physical stars, with computers connected to central hubs or switches. Token ring networks, while operating logically as a ring, are physically wired as a star.

Question 5

Mesh

Answer 5

Nodes connect to all other proximate nodes within their maximum range, creating multiple redundant paths through a system where each node relays information for its neighbours. Mesh networks are typically wireless, and they are deployed in places where physical wiring would be difficult, reliability is important, and nodes are physically close enough to each other to provide multiple paths.