LAN Network Topologies Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Describe the difference between physical network topology and logical network topology.

Physical topologies refer to the physical layout of devices and network media. Logical topologies refer to the logical paths in which data accesses the media and transmits packets across it.

What are the five types of physical topologies implemented in today's networks?

Bus, Ring, Star, Extended star, Mesh.

What physical network topology connects all devices to one cable?

Bus topology.

Describe a star and extended star physical topology.

Star and extended star physical topologies are made of a central connection point, such as a hub or switch, where all cable segments connect. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a ring topology.

In a ring topology, all hosts and devices are connected in the form of a ring or circle. Signup and view all the answers

What physical network topology connects all devices to each other?

A mesh network topology. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a mesh and a partial-mesh topology?

A full-mesh topology connects all nodes to one another for full redundancy, while in a partial-mesh, at least one node maintains multiple connections to all other devices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the logical topology of Ethernet?

Bus. Signup and view all the answers

What do wireless networks use to communicate to end devices?

Radio frequency (RF) or infrared waves. Signup and view all the answers

In wireless LANs (WLANs), what distributes the wireless signal?

Access points (AP) or a wireless hub. Signup and view all the answers

What are two types of Layer 1 network devices?

Repeaters and Hubs. Signup and view all the answers

What are some network devices that operate at the data link layer (Layer 2)?

Bridges and switches. Signup and view all the answers

What is a LAN segment?

A LAN segment is a network connection made by a single unbroken network cable. Signup and view all the answers

What are the Ethernet segment distance limitations for the following? - 100BASE-TX, 100BASE-FX, 1000BASE-T, 1000BASE-LX, 1000BASE-SX

100BASE-TX: 100 meters, 100BASE-FX: 400 meters, 1000BASE-T: 100 meters, 1000BASE-LX: 550 meters for multimode fiber, 10 km for single-mode fiber, 1000BASE-SX: 250 meters for multimode fiber, 550 meters for single-mode fiber Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Network Topology Fundamentals

Physical Topology: Refers to the actual arrangement of devices and cables in a network.
Logical Topology: Concerns how data flows over the network, including the paths through which packets travel.

Types of Physical Topologies

Bus Topology: All devices connect to a single cable; only one device can transmit data at a time.
Ring Topology: Devices are connected in a circular fashion; can be single-ring (one direction) or dual-ring (two directions for redundancy).
Star Topology: Features a central hub/switch with all devices connected to it, resembling bicycle spokes; preferred for Ethernet networks.
Extended Star Topology: An expansion of star topology with additional devices connected to main hub.
Mesh Topology: Every device connects to every other device, providing fault tolerance and redundancy.

Differences in Topologies

Mesh vs. Partial-Mesh: Full mesh connects all nodes to each other; partial mesh allows some nodes to connect to multiple devices only.

Ethernet Details

Logical Topology of Ethernet: Operates on a logical bus topology, with physical implementations often being bus or star.
Segment Distance Limitations:
- 100BASE-TX: 100 meters
- 100BASE-FX: 400 meters
- 1000BASE-T: 100 meters
- 1000BASE-LX: 550 meters (multimode), 10 km (single-mode)
- 1000BASE-SX: 250 meters (multimode), 550 meters (single-mode)

Wireless Networks

Communication Methods: Wireless networks utilize radio frequency (RF) or infrared waves to connect devices.
Signal Distribution: Access Points (AP) or wireless hubs distribute the wireless signal, received by nodes via wireless adapters.

Layer 1 Network Devices

Repeaters: Amplify network signals to extend distance across media.
Hubs: Multi-port repeaters that regenerate signals, differing from repeaters by having multiple connections.

Data Link Layer Devices

Bridges and Switches: Operate at the data link layer, forwarding or filtering traffic based on MAC addresses. Bridges typically create LAN segments; switches are more advanced and replace hubs.

LAN Segment Definition

LAN Segment: A single, continuous network connection made by unbroken cable, with limitations on distance due to signal degradation.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the essential concepts of LAN network topologies, including both physical and logical layouts. Test your knowledge on key types of physical topologies and their differences. Perfect for network students and professionals alike!