1.3.1 Network Topologies

Question 1

What is a network topology?

Answer 1

Arrangement of computers and network devices in either a physical or a logical topographical structure.

Question 2

What is a node?

Answer 2

Any device connected within a network

Question 3

What is in the centre of a star topology?

Answer 3

Server

Question 4

What are the advantages of a star topology?

Answer 4

The failure of one device, as long as it is not the server, will not affect the rest of the network.
The network can be expanded by adding devices until the server capacity is reached.
Localised problems can be identified quickly.
Data can be directed to a specific address via the central server – this reduces network traffic.

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of a star topology?

Answer 5

If the server fails, then the whole network will collapse.
Extensive cabling and technical knowledge is needed to maintain the server.

Question 6

How is every device connected within the network of a mesh topology?

Answer 6

Connected to every device

Question 7

Is network traffic shared between all device?

Answer 7

Yes

Question 8

What are the advantages of a mesh topology?

Answer 8

All devices share the network load, helping the network to run smoothly.
If one device fails, the network will continue to run, as all of the devices are connected to all of the other devices.
Adding more devices will not affect the speed of the network.

Question 9

What are the disadvantages of a mesh topology?

Answer 9

Managing the network requires a high level of network expertise.
The network can be expensive to set up because of the number of devices required.

Question 10

What network would you use withing a household and why?

Answer 10

Star network
The router can centrally link all wired and wireless devices and share access to the internet.

Question 11

What network would the internet use and why?

Answer 11

Mesh network
Any internet-connected device around the world can contact another device via multiple smaller networks without a direct link

Question 12

What network would a company with two offices in different cities use and why?

Answer 12

Each has a star network
The router in each star network provides access to the internet and allows two networks to talk to each other

Question 13

What are the extra topologies?

Answer 13

Bus
Ring