Network Topologies Flashcards
Q: What is a network topology?
A: A network topology is the arrangement and physical or logical connection of devices in a network, determining components and access methods.
Q: What is the difference between physical and logical topology?
A: Physical topology refers to the layout of cables and positions of nodes, while logical topology describes how data is transmitted across the network.
Q: What are the two main types of network connections?
A: Wired connections (e.g., coaxial, glass fiber, twisted-pair) and wireless connections (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular, satellite).
Q: What are some examples of network nodes and components?
A: Nodes include NICs, repeaters, hubs, bridges, switches, routers/modems, gateways, and firewalls.
Q: How are network topologies classified?
A: Network topologies can be physical or logical and include types like point-to-point, bus, star, ring, mesh, tree, hybrid, and daisy chain.
Q: What is a point-to-point topology?
A: A topology with a direct connection between two hosts for mutual communication, commonly used in traditional telephony.
Q: What is a bus topology?
A: A topology where all hosts are connected via a shared transmission medium, allowing only one host to send data at a time.
Q: What is a star topology?
A: A topology with a central network component (e.g., router, hub, switch) connected to all hosts, handling data forwarding.
Q: What is a ring topology?
A: A topology where each host is connected in a loop, with one cable for incoming signals and another for outgoing signals, using protocols for medium access.
Q: What is a mesh topology?
A: A topology with multiple connections between nodes, including fully meshed (every host connected to every other) and partially meshed structures.
Q: What is a tree topology?
A: An extended star topology used in larger networks, combining multiple topologies, often used in company buildings and MANs.
Q: What is a hybrid topology?
A: A topology combining two or more different basic topologies, resulting in a non-standard network structure.
Q: What is a daisy chain topology?
A: A topology where multiple hosts are connected in series, creating a chain of connections, often used in automation technology.
