Networking: Star Topology Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary advantage of star topology over other types of network topologies?

Complex network control features can be easily implemented (correct)

Supports hierarchical connections

Failure in one cable affects the entire network

Uses a single cable for all connections

In tree topology, what is the role of the root node?

It serves as a parent node to other nodes (correct)

It acts as a central hub for routing

It is the terminal point of the network

It connects all other nodes directly

Which of the following is a disadvantage of tree topology?

Easy troubleshooting capabilities

High maintenance costs

Limited support for broadband transmission

Difficult troubleshooting when faults occur (correct)

How does star topology handle cable failures?

Only the affected station is impacted Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of tree topology aids in broadband transmission?

Hierarchical node connection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the expansion capabilities of star topology?

New stations can be added easily to open ports on the hub Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about cabling in star topology?

All nodes are connected using their individual cables Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the outstanding features of tree topology?

Forms a parent-child hierarchy for data transmission Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of star topology with regard to technology preference?

It is considered a familiar and cost-effective technology Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary advantage of mesh topology?

Reliable communication despite link failures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a significant disadvantage of mesh topology?

High costs due to many connections Signup and view all the answers

How does the communication speed in mesh topology compare to other topologies?

It is faster due to direct node connections Signup and view all the answers

What defines a hybrid topology?

A combination of various different topologies Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of hybrid topology?

Independent functioning despite faults in one part Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements is a disadvantage of hybrid topology?

It has a complex network design Signup and view all the answers

Why can the maintenance of a mesh topology network be challenging?

There are multiple devices which complicates oversight. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'scalable' refer to in the context of hybrid topology?

The ease of integrating new devices without disruption Signup and view all the answers

How does redundancy in mesh topology affect network efficiency?

It can reduce network efficiency Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario does NOT describe a hybrid topology?

Two independent star networks that do not interact. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the data transmission in a bus topology?

Data is transmitted in one direction only. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the physical topology in networking?

It depicts the arrangement of network components and cabling. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of using bus topology?

Cable faults disrupt communication for all nodes. Signup and view all the answers

What type of cable is primarily used in smaller networks utilizing bus topology?

Coaxial cable or RJ45 cable Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial installation cost of a bus topology compared to other topologies?

Low due to minimal hub requirements. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes linear bus topology?

It has two endpoints with a single cable running along a line. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of troubleshooting in bus topology?

It often involves using specialized test equipment. Signup and view all the answers

Why is bus topology considered outdated in modern networking?

It has limitations in scalability and reliability. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation best describes signal interference in a bus topology?

Only one node can communicate at a time. Signup and view all the answers

What speed do coaxial or twisted pair cables typically support in bus topology?

Up to 10 Mbps Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

It covers a larger geographical area and connects various smaller networks. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a client-server network?

A dedicated server manages resources and controls user access, while clients connect to it. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key differentiator between an intranet and an extranet?

Intranets are exclusively for internal organizational use, enhancing security. Signup and view all the answers

How do extranet networks typically allow external users to access information?

Using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for secure access. Signup and view all the answers

Which two architectures are utilized for storing and accessing data within networks?

Client-server and peer-to-peer. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use case for intranets in organizations?

Enabling secure internal data access using web technologies. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key challenge when adding new devices to a bus topology?

It may slow down the network. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes ring topology from bus topology?

Ring topology has no termination points. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a token in a ring topology?

To regulate access to the network. Signup and view all the answers

What is attenuation in the context of network communication?

Loss of signal that affects communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major disadvantage associated with ring topology?

Troubleshooting requires specialized equipment. Signup and view all the answers

How does data flow within a ring topology?

In one continuous direction. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the failure behavior of nodes in a bus topology?

Devices can be disconnected without impact. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of repeaters in network communication?

To regenerate and strengthen signals. Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of faulty devices in ring topology?

Complete network shutdown. Signup and view all the answers

In token passing protocol, what does the sender do with the token?

Modifies it by adding data and address. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Star Topology

In star topology, all devices connect to a central hub or switch.
Troubleshooting requires access to the central station, complicating repairs.
Features complex network control that adapts to changes automatically.
Individual cable failure affects only one station, maintaining network stability.
Tools are cost-effective and familiar, making this topology widely used.
Easily expandable by adding new devices to available ports on the hub.
Utilizes inexpensive coaxial cables, ensuring cost-effectiveness.

Tree Topology

Combines bus and star topology characteristics in a hierarchical structure.
The root node at the top connects to other descendant nodes.
Data transmission occurs through a single path between nodes.
Advantages include supporting broadband transmission over long distances.
Easily expands while maintaining its structured hierarchy.

Mesh Topology

Highly reliable; link failures do not disrupt communication between devices.
Fast communication due to multiple connection paths.
Easier reconfiguration allows new devices to be added without interruption.
Complexity increases operational costs due to numerous connections and management demands.
High redundancy can reduce overall network efficiency.

Hybrid Topology

Represents a combination of different topologies linked together.
Offers reliability; faults in one area do not disrupt the entire network.
Scalability is a key advantage, allowing for easy growth as demands increase.
Design complexity poses challenges in implementation and maintenance.

Bus Topology

Devices connect to a single cable which transmits data unidirectionally.
Often called line topology; suitable for smaller networks using coaxial or RJ45 cabling.
Initial setup costs are low, but extensive cabling is required.
Troubleshooting can be difficult, often necessitating specialized equipment.
Data speeds are moderate, limited by potential signal interference and attenuation.

Ring Topology

Features connected nodes forming a continuous loop, with data flowing in a single direction.
Each node retransmits data to the next, creating an endless loop advantage.
Token passing is the primary data access method, where a token circulates the network.
Faulty devices can be removed without major network disruptions.
Troubleshooting necessitates specialized equipment due to the circular nature.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Covers vast geographical areas, connecting multiple smaller networks, including LANs and MANs.
Can utilize public transmission systems or private infrastructure.
The internet serves as the most common example of a WAN.

Client-Server Network

Features a dedicated server that manages data storage, resources, and user access.
Clients connect to the server to access managed resources.

Peer-to-Peer Network

No central server governs the network; all computers share resources equally.
Each device, known as a peer, serves its own data and resources among others.

Intranets

Private networks employing internet technology for internal organizational use.
Generally structured using client-server architecture, enhancing security and confidentiality.
Widely adopted in organizations, including schools, for applications such as Virtual Learning Environments (VLE).

Extranets

An extension of an intranet that allows external access to certain users.
VPNs are commonly used to ensure secure connections for external users.
Access typically granted via an organization’s website, requiring login credentials.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamentals of star topology in networking. It covers how stations connect to a centralized node and the implications for network control and troubleshooting. Test your understanding of star topology features and cable routing.