INTRO TO NETWORK TOPOLOGY WEEK 8 Flashcards
Define network topology and explain its significance in computer networking.
Network topology refers to the layout of connected devices on a network. It determines how devices are connected and communicate with each other, influencing the network’s performance, fault tolerance, and scalability.
What are the main categories of network topology based on architecture? Provide examples of each.
Answer:
Ring Topology: Devices form a circular loop.
Bus Topology: Devices share a single communication cable.
Star Topology: Devices connect to a central hub.
Mesh Topology: Devices interconnect directly with multiple paths.
Tree Topology: Devices are arranged hierarchically.
Hybrid Topology: Combination of two or more topologies.
Describe the difference between LAN, MAN, and WAN in terms of their scope and applications.
LAN (Local Area Network): Covers a small area like an office or home. Example: Office network.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Covers a city or campus. Example: City-wide university network.
WAN (Wide Area Network): Covers large areas, connecting cities or countries. Example: The internet.
Explain how data flows in a Ring Topology and why packet collisions are less likely.
Data flows in a single direction through a token-passing mechanism, reducing the chance of collisions. Each device waits for the token to send data, ensuring orderly communication.
List the advantages and disadvantages of a Bus Topology in small and large networks.
Advantages: Cost-effective, easy to install, requires less cable.
Disadvantages: Not suitable for large networks, difficult troubleshooting, and high dependence on the main cable.
Why is the central hub critical in a Star Topology, and what happens if it fails?
The hub manages communication. If it fails, all connected devices lose connectivity, making it a single point of failure.
In a Mesh Topology with 5 nodes, calculate the number of connections required.
Formula:
𝑁
(
𝑁
−
1
)
/
2
N(N−1)/2. For 5 nodes:
5
(
5
−
1
)
/
2
=
10
5(5−1)/2=10 connections.
What makes Tree Topology suitable for small-sized organizations?
It combines hierarchical structure with scalability, making it easy to add devices and manage the network efficiently.
Discuss how Hybrid Topology combines the benefits of different topologies while addressing their limitations.
Hybrid topology combines topologies like star, bus, and ring, ensuring flexibility, scalability, and fault tolerance while minimizing individual topology weaknesses.
Compare Ring and Star Topologies in terms of fault tolerance and scalability.
Answer:
Ring: Low fault tolerance; failure in one device affects the whole network. Scalability is limited.
Star: High fault tolerance; failure in one device doesn’t affect others. More scalable due to a central hub.
Contrast the privacy and security features of Mesh Topology with those of Bus Topology.
Mesh offers high privacy with dedicated connections, while bus topology has low privacy since all devices share a common medium, making data easily intercepted.
What are the key differences between Tree Topology and Hybrid Topology in terms of structure and flexibility?
Tree: Hierarchical structure, less flexible for dynamic changes.
Hybrid: Combines multiple topologies, highly flexible and adaptable.
Design a network for a small office with 10 computers that minimizes cost and ensures ease of troubleshooting. Which topology would you choose and why?
Star topology is ideal. It minimizes cost (uses a single hub) and makes troubleshooting easy since issues are localized to individual devices or cables.
You are tasked to build a network for a university campus. Discuss how you would combine multiple topologies to achieve a hybrid network.
Combine star topology for departmental connectivity, bus topology for inter-department links, and mesh topology for critical servers to ensure fault tolerance.
In a Ring Topology, one workstation fails. Describe the process to troubleshoot and restore the network.
Identify the faulty node, check its connections, replace any damaged cables, and restart the device. Ensure the token-passing mechanism is functioning.
If you were to set up a high-security data center, which topology would you prefer and why?
Mesh topology, as it offers multiple paths for data, ensuring reliability and high security due to its dedicated connections.
Explain how the use of BNC connectors in a Bus Topology affects signal quality and network performance.
BNC connectors ensure secure connections, reducing signal loss. However, improper termination can cause signal reflection, degrading performance.
Imagine a Star Topology network with 20 devices. What are the possible risks if the hub’s capacity is exceeded? How would you address this issue?
Risks include slow performance and connection drops. Use a more powerful hub or distribute devices across multiple hubs.
Develop a fault-tolerance strategy for a Mesh Topology to handle node failures without disrupting the network.
Implement redundant nodes and paths, so if one node fails, alternate routes can handle the traffic.
Identify a real-world application or industry that extensively uses each type of topology discussed.
Answer:
Ring: Industrial control systems.
Bus: Small office setups.
Star: Corporate networks.
Mesh: Military and data centers.
Tree: Corporate branches.
Hybrid: Universities and hospitals.
Why might a network administrator prefer a hybrid topology over a single topology in a dynamic business environment?
Hybrid topology offers flexibility to adapt to changing needs, scalability for growth, and fault tolerance, balancing performance and reliability.
What challenges might arise when expanding a Tree Topology network to accommodate more devices?
Challenges include maintaining the backbone cable, increased latency due to multiple levels, and difficulty managing large hierarchies.
How does the cost of implementing a Mesh Topology compare to its advantages in reliability? Is it always justified?
While costly due to cabling and maintenance, the reliability provided by multiple connections is critical for networks requiring high uptime, like data centers.
