1.6 Network Topologies Flashcards
N10-009 Obj. 1.6 Compare and contrast network topologies, architectures, and types. (8 cards)
What is a star topology (also called hub-and-spoke), and where is it commonly used?
A star topology uses a central device (like a switch) to which all devices connect. It’s the most common topology in Ethernet networks.
Transcript: “This is what we use in most large networks… Ethernet switch sits in the middle…” (0:37–1:08)
What are the characteristics and benefits of a mesh network topology?
In a mesh topology, devices have multiple connections for redundancy and load balancing. It ensures connectivity even if one link fails.
Transcript: “If one link… fails, we can use one of the other links… perform load balancing…” (1:16–1:51)
In which scenarios is a mesh topology most commonly deployed?
Mesh topologies are often used in wide area networks (WANs) to maintain remote connectivity. (Although we can certainly design a mesh topology for local area networks.)
Transcript: “We often see them deployed in wide area networks…” (1:53–2:03)
What is a hybrid network topology?
A hybrid topology combines multiple types of topologies (e.g., star, mesh, point-to-point) into a single network architecture.
Transcript: “One part… might be a star network… point-to-point… mesh… hybrid architecture.” (2:07–2:28)
What is a spine-and-leaf topology, and where is it commonly used?
A data center topology where spine switches connect to multiple leaf switches, which in turn connect to devices. Spine and leaf switches do not connect to each other.
Transcript: “You would have switches at the top… spine… switches in the middle… leaf…” (2:31–3:02)
What is top-of-rack switching and what are its advantages?
A topology where each rack has a leaf switch on top, minimizing cable length, increasing performance, and providing redundancy via multiple spine connections.
Transcript: “Every rack has a leaf switch… all physical devices… to that switch… redundancy…” (3:04–3:38)
What is a limitation of spine-and-leaf or top-of-rack architecture in large data centers?
It can become expensive, as each rack requires a dedicated switch, especially in data centers with many racks.
Transcript: “You would need a separate switch for every rack… cost… will increase…” (3:45–3:56)
What is a point-to-point topology and where is it used?
A direct connection between two endpoints. Common in older WANs (e.g., T1, T3) and also used for building-to-building LAN links on campuses.
Transcript: “A single point connected to a single point… T1 or T3… connect one building to another…” (3:59–4:29)
