🖧 Networking Topology Quiz

Description: All devices are connected to a central hub or switch.

Advantages:

• Easy to install and wire
• Failure of one device doesn't affect the rest
• Easy to detect faults and remove parts

Disadvantages:

• Requires more cable than bus topology
• If the hub fails, the entire network fails
• More expensive than bus topology

Best for: Most modern LANs, especially Ethernet networks.

Description: Devices are connected in a circular fashion, with each device connected to exactly two others.

Advantages:

• Data travels in one direction reducing packet collisions
• Equal network access for all devices
• Performance is better than bus under heavy load

Disadvantages:

• Failure of one device can take down the entire network
• Difficult to troubleshoot
• Adding or removing devices disrupts the network

Best for: Networks that require predictable performance, like token ring networks.

Description: Each device is connected to every other device in the network.

Advantages:

• Provides redundant paths between devices
• Network can be expanded without disruption
• Failure of one device doesn't affect the rest

Disadvantages:

• Requires more cable than other topologies
• Implementation is expensive and complex
• Difficult to manage and maintain

Best for: Critical networks requiring high reliability, like military or emergency systems.

Description: A combination of bus and star topologies, with multiple star networks connected via a bus.

Advantages:

• Point-to-point wiring for individual segments
• Supported by several hardware and software vendors
• Easy to expand and maintain

Disadvantages:

• Overall length of each segment is limited
• If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down
• More difficult to configure than other topologies

Best for: Large networks that need to be divided into segments, like corporate WANs.

Description: A combination of two or more different topologies.

Advantages:

• Can be designed to leverage strengths of different topologies
• Very flexible and scalable
• Can be optimized for specific needs

Disadvantages:

• Complex design and implementation
• Expensive due to hybrid infrastructure
• Requires expert management

Best for: Large, complex networks with diverse requirements.