Networks: Topologies

Question 1

Describe the difference between Physics and Logical Topologies.

Answer 1

Physical topologies are the way in which the
network hardware is physically laid out and
connected.

Logical topologies describe the way that data
travels around the network.

It is possible to have a physical topology that
behaves like another topology logically.

Question 2

What is a Network Interface Controller?

Answer 2

Found inside a computer. Allows the device to access networks (usually has an Ethernet port/aerial for wireless transmission) and contains the MAC address.

Question 3

What is a Gateway?

Answer 3

Allows data to flow from one network to another. Governs communication using more than one protocol to connect multiple networks.

Question 4

Physical Star

Answer 4

Clients connected to a router/hub.

Question 5

Logical Star

Answer 5

Delivers packets to only the recipients.

Question 6

Physical Bus

Answer 6

Clients connected to a backbone.

Question 7

Logical Bus

Answer 7

Delivers packets to all clients.