Network Topologies Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is a topology in the context of networking?
The layout of the network.
What are the two important network topologies to know for the exam?
Star and Mesh.
In a Star Topology, how are devices connected?
All devices are connected to a central switch or server.
What is the role of the central switch in a Star Topology?
It controls the network and allows many devices to access the server simultaneously.
True or False: Star networks can be either wired or wireless.
True.
What happens if a device fails in a Star Topology?
The rest of the network is unaffected.
What is a disadvantage of wired Star networks?
Every device needs a cable to connect to the central switch or server.
What is an advantage of Star Topology regarding device addition?
It’s simple to add more devices to the network.
How does Star Topology perform in terms of data transmission?
Better performance than other setups; data goes straight to the central device so that all devices can transmit data at once
What issue can arise if there is a problem with the switch or server in a Star Topology?
The whole network is affected.
Fill in the blank: In a Star Topology, there are very few data _______.
collisions.
What is a mesh topology?
A mesh topology is a decentralized network layout where all devices are connected to each other directly or indirectly without a central switch or server.
Mesh networks send data along the fastest route from one device to another.
What is the main advantage of a mesh topology?
There is no single point of failure in the network.
If one device fails, data can be sent along a different route to its target.
What problem has traditionally been associated with mesh networks?
They were very expensive due to the need for extensive wiring.
The use of wireless technology has made mesh networks more practical.
What distinguishes a full mesh topology from a partial mesh topology?
In a full mesh topology, every device is connected to every other device; in a partial mesh topology, not all devices are fully connected.
True or False: In a star network, if the central switch fails, the entire network fails.
True.
Fill in the blank: A _______ topology connects all devices directly or indirectly without a central point.
[mesh topology]
What is a characteristic of a partial mesh topology?
Not all devices are fully connected.
How do mesh networks send data?
Along the fastest route from one device to another.
What technology has made mesh networks more practical?
Wireless technology.
What is the difference in focus between network layout diagrams and client-server or P2P diagrams?
Network layout diagrams show the layout of the network, while client-server and P2P diagrams show the roles of the devices on the network and how the server is managed.
