Networks - LAN Topologies

Question 1

Topology

Answer 1

Defines the way in which all network devices are interconnected to create a LAN

Question 2

Bus

Answer 2

Uses one main cable to which all nodes are directly connected. The main cable acts as a backbone for the network. One of the computers in the network typically acts as the computer server.

Question 3

Nodes

Answer 3

devices connected to a network

Question 4

Star

Answer 4

Consists of one central switch or hub which every host is connected to.

Question 5

Bus advantages

Answer 5

• Easy to set up.
• Not very expensive.
• Easy to add new networks.
• Uses fewer cables than star

Question 6

Bus disadvantages

Answer 6

• If the main cable fails or gets damaged the whole network will fail
• as more workstations are connected the performance of the network will become slower because of data collisions

Question 7

Star advantages

Answer 7

• If one cable is lost, only connection to that pc is lost.
• Easy to add new computers.
• More secure – messages from a computer goes directly to the centre.

Question 8

Star disadvantages

Answer 8

• Can be costly to install because there’s lots of cables.

- Dependent on a central computer, if it fails the network goes down.