Network Topologies Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of a network topology?

A network topology refers to the arrangement of different elements like nodes, links, or devices in a computer network.

Which of the following are concepts of network topology?

  • Physical (correct)
  • Analog
  • Digital
  • Logical (correct)

Physical topology is the actual arrangement of devices and cables within a network.

True (A)

Logical topology presents more on how data flows within a network and the path it travels between devices.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a Point-to-Point topology, there is a direct connection between:

<p>Two devices (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a central device in a Point-to-Multipoint topology?

<p>A router (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name given to the single, continuous cable used in Bus topology?

<p>Bus</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bus topology is fault tolerant meaning that if one device fails, the entire network is unaffected.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network topology is considered to have minimal impact to outages?

<p>Star</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a drawback of Star topology?

<p>Dependent on a central hub or switch (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Ring topology, data travels from one device to another until it returns to the source.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ring topology is very robust to hardware failures and can withstand a malfunctioning device without disrupting the network.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of Mesh topology?

<p>Fault tolerance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What drawback does Mesh topology have?

<p>Cost due to cabling necessity</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of Hybrid topology?

<p>It combines two or more different types of network topologies</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Hybrid topology useful?

<p>To utilize the best features of multiple topologies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a factor to consider when designing a network topology?

<p>Data compression (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What topology is best suited for small, cost-effective setups?

<p>Wireless (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which topology is considered ideal for high-availability systems with maximum uptime, despite being more expensive?

<p>Hybrid (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the backbone in a network?

<p>The backbone connects all network segments and servers, providing the network's structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are segments in a network?

<p>Segments are smaller sections of the network connected to the backbone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

You need a scalable topology for your network. Which one should you choose?

<p>Star (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A point-to-multipoint network is best for:

<p>Connecting a central office to branch offices (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which topology has the greatest number of physical connections?

<p>Mesh (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is an example of a hybrid network?

<p>Ethernet switch (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

You want to connect multiple LANs in a way that keeps them separate but allows them to access the internet. What is the best solution?

<p>Install a router (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Network Topology

The arrangement of nodes, links, and devices in a computer network.

Physical Network Topology

The actual layout of cables, devices, and workstations in a network.

Logical Network Topology

How data moves through the network and the paths between devices.

Point-to-Point Topology

A direct connection between two devices.

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Point-to-Multipoint Topology

A central device connects to multiple other devices.

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Bus Topology

Devices connected to a single cable (bus).

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Star Topology

All devices connect to a central hub or switch.

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Ring Topology

Devices connected in a closed loop, data travels around the ring.

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Mesh Topology

Each device connects to every other device.

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Hybrid Topology

Combines two or more different topologies.

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Backbone

The main network structure connecting all segments and servers.

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Network Segment

A small section of a network connected to the backbone.

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Fault Tolerance

A network's ability to handle issues without major disruption.

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Scalability

Network's ability to grow and adapt to increasing needs.

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Security

Measures to protect the network from unauthorized access.

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Cost

Expenses associated with network setup and maintenance.

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Bus Topology Pros

Minimal cabling, low initial cost.

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Bus Topology Cons

Not fault-tolerant, one failure can affect the whole network.

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Star Topology Pros

Minimal impact from outages, easier to manage.

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Star Topology Cons

Dependent on the central device; failure means network disruption.

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Ring Topology Cons

Prone to disruption with device additions/removals.

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Mesh Topology Pros

Fault-tolerant due to multiple paths between devices.

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Mesh Topology Cons

High cabling cost to connect all devices.

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Study Notes

Network Topologies

  • Network topology refers to the arrangement of nodes, links, or devices in a computer network
  • Two concepts of network topology:
    • Physical: the actual arrangement and placement of all workstations, devices, and physical media (e.g., cables) within the network
    • Logical: how data flows within a network and the path it travels between devices

Physical Network Topology

  • Describes the physical connections between devices
  • Types of physical topologies:
    • Point-to-Point: a direct connection between two devices, providing a single communication path (e.g., serial connection between routers)
    • Point-to-Multipoint: one central device (e.g., router) connects to multiple other devices, creating a single connection from the central device to various endpoints (e.g., corporate router connecting to multiple branches)
    • Bus: devices are connected to a single, continuous cable (called the "bus"). Data is sent across this cable, and only the addressed device can access it. Pros: minimal cabling, cheap to install. Cons: not fault tolerant.
    • Star (Hub-and-Spoke): all devices are connected to a central intermediary device (e.g., hub or switch). Pros: minimal impact to outages. Cons: dependent on the intermediary device.
    • Ring: each computer is directly connected to the next, forming a continuous loop. Data travels from one device to another until it returns to the source. Prone to disruption if a device is added or removed.
    • Mesh: each device is connected to every other device, providing multiple paths for data. Pros: fault tolerant. Cons: high cost due to cabling necessity (full mesh vs partial mesh)
    • Hybrid: combines two or more different types of network topologies within the same network, each containing its own nodes.

Backbone and Network Segment

  • Backbone: network segments and servers connect to give the network its structure
  • Segment: any small section of the network that connects to the backbone

Takeaways for Designing a Network Topology

  • Cost: Consider the setup and maintenance expenses
  • Fault Tolerance: Evaluate the needed reliability and uptime
  • Scalability: Assess future network growth and reconfiguration ease
  • Security: Determine the required security level

Knowledge Check Questions and Answers

  • Scalable topology: Star, Mesh
  • Point-to-Multipoint network use case: A centralized office needing to communicate with many branch offices.
  • Topology with most connections: Mesh
  • Example of a hybrid network: Ethernet switch
  • Connecting multiple LANs to the internet: Install a router

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