Describe three common network topologies and a key advantage of each.

Describe three common network topologies and a key advantage of each.

• A. Star topology – centralized control and easy fault isolation; Mesh topology – high redundancy and resilience; Bus topology – simple cabling and low cost.
• B. Star topology – simple cabling; Mesh topology – complex cabling; Bus topology – centralized control.
• C. Ring topology – no latency; Star topology – no central point; Bus topology – best performance.
• D. Mesh topology – easy fault isolation; Star topology – worst scalability; Bus topology – high redundancy.

Answer: (A)

Understanding practical advantages of common network topologies helps you see how networks are designed for management, reliability, and cost. Star topology centers all devices on a single hub or switch. The biggest benefit is centralized control and easy fault isolation: if one device or cable segment fails, only that branch is affected, so troubleshooting and management stay straightforward. Mesh topology interconnects devices with multiple paths. Its main advantage is high redundancy and resilience: if one link or path goes down, traffic can still reach its destination via an alternate route, boosting uptime and reliability. Bus topology uses a single shared backbone for all devices. The clear advantage is simple cabling and low cost, which makes it inexpensive and quick to deploy for small or straightforward networks. Other options contain statements that don’t match how these topologies typically perform, such as claiming no latency in a ring or that star lacks a central point, which aren’t accurate descriptions of these designs.

Understanding practical advantages of common network topologies helps you see how networks are designed for management, reliability, and cost.

Star topology centers all devices on a single hub or switch. The biggest benefit is centralized control and easy fault isolation: if one device or cable segment fails, only that branch is affected, so troubleshooting and management stay straightforward.

Mesh topology interconnects devices with multiple paths. Its main advantage is high redundancy and resilience: if one link or path goes down, traffic can still reach its destination via an alternate route, boosting uptime and reliability.

Bus topology uses a single shared backbone for all devices. The clear advantage is simple cabling and low cost, which makes it inexpensive and quick to deploy for small or straightforward networks.

Other options contain statements that don’t match how these topologies typically perform, such as claiming no latency in a ring or that star lacks a central point, which aren’t accurate descriptions of these designs.