Network Topologies

Question 1

What is a mesh topology?

Answer 1

Where every component is connected to every other component in the topology.

Question 2

What is a star topology?

Answer 2

A topology in which every component is linked to the central hub or switch, and not to each other (unless in a hybrid).

Question 3

Which is the most popular topology?

Answer 3

A star topology, as it is the most reliable.

Question 4

What is a bus topology?

Answer 4

Where all components of the network are connected directly to each other. At the end there is a terminator to prevent signals from bouncing back.

Question 5

What is a ring topology?

Answer 5

In a ring topology, workstations are connected together in a circle, and data is passed through each workstation to reach its required destination.

Question 6

What is a wireless topology?

Answer 6

Where data packets are sent via electromagnetic (radio) waves. Transmitters called “cells” or “Wireless Access Points” extend a radio sphere around the transmitter. PCs have special transmitters and recievers.

Question 7

What is the problem with infrared signals in a wireless topology?

Answer 7

They are slow and require a direct line of sight.

Question 8

What are hybrid topologies? Give an example.

Answer 8

Many networks use a mix of topologies. For example, star-bus and star-ring (pic.) topologies.

Question 9

Give at least 3 advantages of bus topologies.

Answer 9

Any 3 from…

• Easy to install;
• Easy to add extra workstations;
• Uses less cable than a Star network;
• Best choice for temporary networks.

Question 10

Give at least 3 disadvantages of bus topologies.

Answer 10

Any 3 from…

• If there is a problem with the central cable, the entire network stops working;
• If there are a lot of workstations on the network, data can travel slowly;
• Data collisions can happen as the network becomes busy ;
• Low security - every workstation can see all of the data in the network ;
• Limited cable length and a maximum number of workstations.