Networking Topology

What does a linear bus topology use to connect all network devices?

A linear bus topology uses a terminator to connect all of the devices together.

Which topology connects each network device to many other network devices?

A mesh topology connects a device to many other network devices.

How does a ring topology connect devices?

A ring topology connects all devices in a circle with each device having two neighbors.

What is a "terminator"?

A terminator is a special device that stops the backbone cable at each end of the device line.

The Tree Topology is a blend of what?

A tree topology is a blend of star and bus networks.

List one advantage of a Mesh Topology.

The advantage is that it is extremely fault tolerant.

What is the advantage of a ring topology?

The advantage is that it minimizes the number of cables needed.

What does the backbone cable function as?

The backbone cable functions as a shared communication link.

How many neighbors does each device in a ring topology have?

Each device in a ring topology has exactly two neighbors.

List four disadvantages of a Linear Bus Topology.

Four disadvantages are that the entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable, terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable, it is difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down, and it is not meant to be a stand-alone solution in a large building.

How is a Star Topology designed?

It is designed with each node connected directly to the central network hub.

What does physical topology of a network refer to?

It refers to the configuration of cables, computers, and other peripherals.

What is the disadvantage of a ring topology?

The disadvantage is that the failure of one device can take down the entire network.

What are the five main types of Physical Network Topologies?

The five main types are star, ring, linear bus, tree, and mesh topology.

List four disadvantages of a Mesh Topology.

The four disadvantages are that it is difficult to implement, administer and troubleshoot, and it is expensive.

List the four things to consider when choosing a topology.

The four things to consider are money, length of cable needed, future growth, and cable type.

What is Logical Topology?

The method used to pass information between workstations.

List three disadvantages of a Tree Topology.

The three disadvantages are that the overall length of each segment is limited by the type of cabling used, if the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down, and it is more difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.

List two advantages of a Linear Bus Topology.

The two advantages are that it is easy to connect a computer or a peripheral to it and it requires less cable than a star topology.

List two advantages of a Tree Topology.

The two advantages are that they offer excellent flexibility for expansion, and there is point to point wiring for individual segments.

List three advantages of a star topology.

Three advantages are that it is easy to install and wire, there are no disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices, and it is easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

List three disadvantages of a star topology.

Three disadvantages are that it requires more cable length than a linear topology, if the hub fails, nodes attached are disconnected, and it is more expensive than a linear bus because of the cost of the hub.