WIDE AREA NETWORK (WAN) TOPOLOGIES

COMPTIA NETWORK+ EXAM N10-006

TEST OBJECTIVE - 1.6

DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN COMMON NETWORK TOPOLOGIES

WHAT IS A NETWORK TOPOLOGY?o Network topology is the way various components of a network (nodes, links, peripherals, etc.) are

arranged. Network topologies define the layout or structure of a network.

o A topology is either logical or physical.

o Logical topology is the way information flows between different components.

o Physical topology is the physical layout of nodes, workstations and cables in the network.

1. BUS TOPOLOGY• All devices are connected to a central cable, called the bus or backbone.

• Bus networks are relatively inexpensive and easy to install for small networks.

• Example: Peer-to-Peer Ethernet Network

2. STAR TOPOLOGY• A star topology has all nodes connect through a central device such as a hub or switch. Each

node has its own line and should one fail, it will not disrupt the entire topology.

• Example: Computer Workgroup

3. RING TOPOLOGY• The ring topology is similar to the star topology in a physical sense but it is actually set

around a ‘logical ring’ using a MAU (media access unit). A cable break in the ring network may bring down the entire network.

• Example(s): IBM Token Ring (Legacy), Fiber Optic Ring

4. MESH TOPOLOGY

• A mesh topology does not evidence a pattern when it comes to relaying data.

• Full-mesh topology requires each node to be interconnected with each other.

• Partial-mesh topology is when nodes connect with more than one network node via a point-to-point link.

• Example: The World Wide Web

5. TIERED TOPOLOGY

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Sites connected in star or ring formations which are interconnected at different levels. They are organized into layers to form hierarchical groupings.Example: Geographic Distributed Network

COMPTIA NETWORK+ PRACTICE QUESTION

What topology could result in a lack of all communication capabilities with a single connection break?

A. Full-Mesh

B. Partial-Mesh

C. Star

D. Ring