Bus, Star, and Tree Network Topologies

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Questions and Answers

In a bus topology, what crucial component prevents signal reflection, and why is this important?

Terminators; to ensure data signals are absorbed at the end of the cable, preventing interference and data corruption.

Explain the primary difference in how a hub and a switch handle data transmission in a star topology.

A hub broadcasts data to all connected devices, while a switch intelligently forwards data only to the intended recipient using MAC addresses.

How does the use of CSMA/CD in a bus topology attempt to solve the problem of data collisions?

CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) allows devices to 'listen' before transmitting and to stop transmitting if a collision is detected, then retransmit after a random delay.

What is a significant drawback of the star topology concerning the central device, and how does this impact the entire network?

The entire network depends on the central device (hub or switch). If it fails, the entire network goes down. Signup and view all the answers

Why is a tree topology considered a hybrid topology, and what two basic topologies does it combine?

It combines features of both bus and star topologies, using a bus as a backbone and star topologies for individual branches. Signup and view all the answers

How does network segmentation in a tree topology contribute to improved fault tolerance compared to a bus topology?

If one segment (branch) fails in a tree topology, the other segments are not affected, whereas a break in the bus cable brings down the entire network. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a scenario where a tree topology would be preferred over a star topology for a large organization, and why.

In a large organization with multiple departments and branch offices, a tree topology allows for hierarchical management and easier segmentation by department or location, which is harder to achieve with a single-level star topology. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the 'root node' in a tree topology, and what impact does its failure have on the network?

The root node acts as the central backbone or main connection point for the entire network. If it fails, the entire network, or a significant portion of it, can be disrupted. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why the cost of implementing a bus topology is generally lower than that of a star or tree topology.

Bus topologies typically require less cabling and fewer networking devices compared to star and tree topologies, which need more cables, hubs/switches, and potentially routers. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the performance of a bus topology likely to degrade significantly under heavy network traffic conditions?

Because all devices share the same communication medium, leading to increased collisions and the need for retransmissions which reduces available bandwidth. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of network topologies, what does 'scalability' refer to, and how do bus, star, and tree topologies compare in terms of scalability?

Scalability refers to the ease with which a network can be expanded to accommodate more devices. Star and tree topologies are more scalable than bus topologies due to the limitations of signal degradation and collision management on a shared cable in a bus network. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how a switch in a star topology uses MAC addresses to improve network efficiency compared to a hub.

A switch learns the MAC addresses of connected devices and forwards data only to the specific port associated with the destination MAC address, reducing unnecessary traffic and improving overall network performance, unlike a hub that broadcasts data to all ports. Signup and view all the answers

What role does redundancy play in improving the reliability of a tree topology, particularly concerning the root node?

Redundancy involves having backup root nodes or alternative paths to ensure that if the primary root node fails, the network can still function using the backup, minimizing downtime. Signup and view all the answers

How does the hierarchical structure of a tree topology facilitate network management and administration?

The hierarchical structure allows for centralized management and control over different network segments, making it easier to apply policies, monitor performance, and troubleshoot issues within specific departments or locations. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a situation where the ease of adding new nodes in a star topology would be a significant advantage over a bus topology.

In a growing office environment where new employees and devices are frequently added, the star topology's ability to easily add nodes by simply connecting them to the central switch is much simpler and less disruptive compared to splicing into the main cable of a bus topology. Signup and view all the answers

What are the implications of using unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables in a star topology regarding network security and data interception?

UTP cables are susceptible to electromagnetic interference and can be tapped, potentially allowing unauthorized access to network data if not properly secured with encryption and physical security measures. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how VLANs (Virtual LANs) can be implemented within a star topology to enhance network security and performance.

VLANs logically segment the network even though physically connected to the same switch, isolating traffic between different groups of users or devices, reducing broadcast traffic, and improving security by limiting access to sensitive resources. Signup and view all the answers

In a tree topology, how do routers and switches at different levels contribute to efficient data routing?

Routers connect different networks or subnets and make forwarding decisions based on network addresses, while switches within each subnet forward traffic based on MAC addresses, creating a hierarchical routing system that efficiently delivers data to its destination. Signup and view all the answers

How does the physical layout of a building influence the choice between implementing a star or a bus topology?

In buildings where running cables to a central point is feasible and cost-effective, a star topology is often preferred. However, in older buildings where it's difficult to run new cables, a bus topology might be considered (though rarely implemented these days due to its limitations). Signup and view all the answers

Explain a scenario where the troubleshooting process would be significantly easier in a star topology compared to a bus topology.

In a star topology, if a device is not connecting to the network, the issue is likely with the cable connecting that device to the switch or the device itself. In a bus topology, troubleshooting requires checking the entire length of the cable and all connections, making it more time-consuming. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Bus Topology

All devices connected to a single cable, data sent is received by all, but only processed by the target.

CSMA/CD

A method used in bus topologies to manage data collisions, where devices listen before transmitting and detect collisions.

Star Topology

All devices connect to a central hub or switch. Easy to troubleshoot but dependent on the central device.

Hub (in Star Topology)

Data is sent to all connected devices; the device does not learn MAC addresses making it less efficient.