Network Topologies Flashcards
What does a Topology describe?
The topology of a network describes the way in which the devices (nodes) are connected.
What is a Physical Topology?
The physical layout of devices on a network and how the cables and wires connect these devices.
What is a Logical Topology?
How data is transmitted and received between devices on a network regardless of their physical connections.
What is a Node?
A Node is any device that is connected to the network, including computers, printers, hubs, switches and routers.
What must Nodes do?
All Nodes must be communicate using the suite of protocols defined for the particular network.
What can Nodes do, using the defined network protocols?
Nodes can receive and transmit.
How do Physical Bus Topologies function?
There is a single backbone, where data packets are carried to all connected nodes.
What is the function of terminators in a Physical Bus Topology?
The function of the terminators is to prevent reflection of the data signal back down the cable.
How does nodes function in a Physical Star Topology?
All nodes connect to a central node via their own dedicated cable.
What are the advantages of using Physical Star Topologies over Physical Bus and Ring Topologies?
Each node can easily be disconnected without affecting each other
New nodes can be added without disabling the network
Identifying problems are more simple as the affected node can be disabled until the problem is resolved
What are the disadvantages of using Physical Star Topology?
Significantly more cable is required and if the central node has a problem then add connected nodes would have a problem.
How does nodes function in a Physical Ring Topology?
In a Physical ring each node connects to exactly two other nodes.
What are the Physical Hybrid Topology?
Hybrid or tree Topologies are a combination of connected Bus, Star and Ring Topologies.
What is a Physical Mesh Topology?
Mesh Topologies are composed of more than one path traveling between pairs of nodes.
What does a Physical Topology describe?
The logical topology of a network describes how data is transmitted and received on a network.
