Network Topologies

Question 1

Bus

Answer 1

All devices are connected to a single central cable (the bus) with terminators at both ends to prevent signal reflection.

Use Case:

Small office networks where simplicity and low cost are essential.
Older networks, as it’s now mostly outdated due to scalability and fault tolerance limitations.

Question 2

Ring

Answer 2

Devices are connected in a circular fashion, where each device is connected to two neighbors, and data travels in one or both directions around the ring.

Use Case:

Older LANs and some fiber-optic networks.
Scenarios needing deterministic data transmission, like in industrial applications.

Question 3

Star

Answer 3

All devices are connected to a central hub or switch, which manages data transmission.

Use Case:

Modern home and office networks.
Wi-Fi networks where the router acts as the central point.
Easier to manage and troubleshoot compared to bus topology.

Question 4

Mesh

Answer 4

Each device is connected to every other device in the network, ensuring high redundancy.

Use Case:

Mission-critical systems, such as military or aerospace networks.
Modern wireless networks (e.g., Wi-Fi mesh systems) for better coverage and fault tolerance.

Question 5

Hybrid

Answer 5

A combination of two or more different topologies, designed to leverage the strengths of each.

Use Case:

Large enterprises with varied requirements across departments (e.g., star in one area and mesh in another).
Scalable and flexible networks to accommodate growth.

Question 6

P2P (Point to Point)

Answer 6

A direct link between two devices, forming the simplest network connection.

Use Case:

Connections between routers in WANs.
Secure communication links between two systems, such as in leased lines or dedicated circuits.

Question 7

Tree

Answer 7

A hierarchical topology with a root node connected to other nodes in a branching structure, combining characteristics of star and bus topologies.

Use Case:

Large organizations with departmental subdivisions, as it allows scalability.
WANs with distributed networks connected through hubs or switches.

Question 8

Point to Multipoint

Answer 8

A single device communicates with multiple devices, often through a central hub or node.

Use Case:

Wireless networks with one base station serving multiple clients.
IoT applications where one controller manages many sensors or devices.

Question 9

Point to Point

Answer 9

Refers to a direct connection between two devices (or “points”) for communication. Unlike more complex network structures, where multiple devices communicate through intermediaries or central servers, a point-to-point network is focused solely on the direct communication between two specific devices, often over a dedicated line or channel.

Question 10

Peer to Peer

Answer 10

A decentralized network model in which each device (or “peer”) on the network can act as both a client and a server. This means that every device can share resources, such as files, printers, or internet access, with other devices directly, without needing a central server or authority.

Question 11

Client Server Network