Network Topologies

Correct Answer: Star topology

The best topology for this scenario is the Star topology. In a star topology network, all devices are directly connected to a central device (like a switch or a hub), and it only requires one connection to that central device for each device. This setup makes it simple to add, remove, or alter devices because changes don't affect the others in the network. Mesh topology would not be best in this scenario because, although devices are interconnected, it requires complex cabling and is usually too costly or unnecessary for a small office. The Bus topology has all devices connected to a single backbone or bus, and this can lead to collisions and data transmission issues. The Ring topology, where all devices are connected in a closed loop, is also unsuited as any break in the ring can disrupt the whole network.

Correct Answer: Mesh topology

A mesh topology is the ideal choice for a company requiring a redundant network infrastructure with multiple data paths and no single point of failure. In a mesh topology, each device is connected to multiple other devices, creating numerous potential routes for data transmission. This design ensures that if one path or device fails, data can still reach its destination through alternative routes. Mesh networks offer superior fault tolerance and reliability compared to other topologies. They provide excellent redundancy, as the failure of a single node or connection does not disrupt the entire network. Additionally, mesh topologies can automatically reroute traffic around failed components, maintaining network connectivity and performance. While mesh networks can be more complex and costly to implement, they offer the highest level of redundancy and reliability, making them ideal for critical infrastructure where downtime is not an option.

Correct Answer: Tree topology

The Tree topology is the best choice for maintaining a hierarchical structure in a campus network that needs to connect several buildings in the same geographical area. The tree topology is a type of network topology that uses a hierarchy of nodes and connections, which makes it very efficient for maintaining structured and organized networks like a campus network. The Mesh topology, though it can connect multiple nodes, lacks a hierarchical structure and can be complex to manage. Bus topology uses a common backbone to connect all devices in a linear way, which doesn't allow for a hierarchical structure either. Similarly, Ring topology connects devices in a continuous loop without a hierarchical structure. Therefore, the other topologies are not ideal for a campus network that needs to maintain a hierarchical structure.