Network Topologies: Bus, Star, Mesh, and Ring Fundamentals Quiz Quiz

Explore the essential concepts of bus, star, mesh, and ring network topologies with this beginner-friendly quiz designed to reinforce core networking knowledge. Perfect for understanding the strengths, weaknesses, and unique features of each topology, this quiz supports foundational learning for students and IT enthusiasts.

1. Bus Topology Basics

   Which network topology features all devices connected to a single central cable, called the backbone, where a failure in this cable impacts the entire network?

   1. Bus topology
   2. Tree topology
   3. Ring topology
   4. Star topology

   Explanation: Bus topology uses a single central backbone cable to which all network devices are attached, and a failure in this cable will disrupt network communications for all devices. Ring topology connects devices in a closed loop, not via a backbone. Star topology has each device connected to a central hub and is not dependent on a single cable. Tree topology is hierarchical and branches out rather than using a singular backbone.

2. Star Topology Structure

   In star topology, what device do all computers directly connect to in the network setup?

   1. Router cable
   2. Main bus
   3. Repeater
   4. Central hub

   Explanation: In a star topology, each computer connects directly to a central hub or switch, which manages network traffic. A main bus is characteristic of bus topology, not star. Repeaters are used to extend signal range but are not the central connection point. A router cable is not an actual network device but rather a component.

3. Mesh Topology Characteristics

   Which network topology offers the highest level of redundancy, allowing every device to be directly connected to every other device?

   1. Grid topology
   2. Ring topology
   3. Bus topology
   4. Mesh topology

   Explanation: Mesh topology connects every device to every other device, providing excellent redundancy and reliability. Ring topology forms a closed loop without full interconnection. Grid topology is not a standard network topology, and bus topology uses a single backbone which does not connect every device directly.

4. Ring Topology Data Flow

   In a traditional ring topology, how does data travel between devices?

   1. Broadcast to all nodes simultaneously
   2. Directly between any two devices
   3. In one direction around the ring
   4. Via a single central hub

   Explanation: Ring topology sends data in one direction around the ring until it reaches the intended device, ensuring an orderly flow of data. Broadcasting to all nodes is a feature of bus topology. Star topology uses a central hub, not a ring. Mesh topology allows direct communication between devices but is not organized in a ring.

5. Bus Topology Limitation

   What is a main disadvantage of using a bus topology in a network with many devices?

   1. Devices must be arranged in a circle
   2. Performance decreases as more devices are added
   3. Each device requires its own switch
   4. It is the most expensive topology

   Explanation: Bus topology suffers from performance declines as more devices are added because data collisions and congestion increase. Unlike star, it does not require a switch for each device. Bus topology is generally cost-effective, not the most expensive. Arranging devices in a circle is a feature of ring topology, not bus.

6. Star Topology Failure Point

   In a star topology, what happens if the central hub fails?

   1. Only one device loses connection
   2. The network keeps working with lower speed
   3. Devices form a new direct connection
   4. All network communication stops

   Explanation: If the central hub fails in a star topology, all devices lose the ability to communicate, as it is the single point connecting them. If only one device failed, only that device would lose connection. The network cannot keep functioning without the hub. Devices do not automatically form new direct connections in a star configuration.

7. Mesh Topology Scalability

   Why is mesh topology generally considered less scalable for large networks?

   1. It requires a large number of cables as every device connects to every other device
   2. It depends on a single central cable
   3. It can only support two devices
   4. Devices must be arranged in a line

   Explanation: Mesh topology needs each device to connect to every other device, leading to a rapid increase in cables as devices are added. This makes scaling up difficult and expensive. Supporting only two devices, depending on a central cable, and arranging devices in a line are incorrect and do not describe mesh topology.

8. Ring vs. Bus Topology

   How does a ring topology differ from a bus topology in terms of data transmission?

   1. Ring topology supports wireless only
   2. Data travels in a closed loop in ring but along a single backbone in bus
   3. Bus topology is always faster
   4. Both use a central hub for data

   Explanation: Ring topology uses a closed-loop arrangement for data transmission, while bus topology relies on a central backbone cable. Neither topology depends on a central hub or is exclusive to wireless. The speed of a topology depends on various factors, so bus topology is not always inherently faster.

9. Identifying Topologies by Diagram

   If a network diagram shows each device having a dedicated connection to all other devices, which topology is it demonstrating?

   1. Bus topology
   2. Tree topology
   3. Ring topology
   4. Mesh topology

   Explanation: Mesh topology is characterized by each device being linked to every other device with dedicated connections, ensuring redundancy. Tree topology is hierarchical, ring topology forms a closed loop, and bus topology uses a singular backbone rather than multiple connections between each pair of devices.

10. Physical Damage in Bus Topology

    What is a likely result if the main cable in a bus topology network is physically cut?

    1. Only one segment loses connectivity
    2. All network devices lose communication
    3. The network automatically heals
    4. Only the central hub is affected

    Explanation: A physical cut to the main backbone cable in bus topology disconnects all devices, as it is the single communication line. Unlike segmented designs, the entire network is impacted, not just one segment. Bus topology has no self-healing mechanism. There is no central hub involved in bus topology, differentiating it from the star configuration.