Network Topologies Flashcards
What is a star topology?
Aka “hub-and-spoke” network.
Composed of a central network device (i.e. a switch) and connects to various network devices via individual cables (servers, workstations, printers, etc.)
What is a mesh topology?
Every node is connected to every other node (full mesh) or a subset of nodes (partial mesh)
Large collections of routers can be linked in a mesh topology
What is a wireless mesh topology?
Uses either Wi-Fi, radio signals, or virtual links (i.e. VPN) to enable all nodes to communicate with one another directly
What is a bus topology?
A single line of devices connected together by one shared network cable. This cable must have special electrical resistors called “terminators” at each end to absorb stray electrical signals on the wire.
Common in the early days of networking, before hubs and switches were invented.
Computers can only communicate in half-duplex mode.
What is a ring topology?
