CompTIA Network + Exam Prep (N10-006)

Domain 1: Network Theory and Architecture

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 Lesson 1-3: Topologies

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Objectives

● Differentiate between Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint networks

After completing
this lesson, you will ● Explain the difference between Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer networks

be able to: ● Define Bus Topology

● Identify Ring Topology

● Discuss Star Topology

● Differentiate between Partial and Full Mesh Topology

● Identify Hybrid Topology

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What is a Topology?

• Topology is the interrelatedness and arrangement of

constituent parts in a network.

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Network Topologies

Imagine you were inventing a new way to

network.

How would you connect the devices to

each other?

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Bus Topology

• One unbroken cable, terminated

on each end, connecting to each
computer with a “T” connector.

• Bus Topology was common with

older 10base2 and 10base5
networks using a coaxial cable.

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Bus Topology – Pros and Cons

• PROS: No central hardware

(switches, hubs) needed.

• CONS: Any disconnection

anywhere in the cable stops all
communication

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Ring Topology

• This is similar to Bus Topology

with one unbroken cable.

• While Bus topology has two

terminated cable ends, a Ring
Topology is in a loop with no
ends.

• It has similar pros and cons

compared to Bus: No central
hardware is needed but any
faults or disconnections bring
down the entire network.

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Star Topology

• Each computer connects directly to a

central point, usually a Switch, Hub, or
Router.

• Disconnections only affect the one

computer on that link.

• Most LANs and WLANs, today, use Star

Topology.

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Mesh Topology

• Full Mesh: Every device connects to

every other device.

• Partial Mesh: Some nodes are in a Full

Mesh, other nodes may only connect
to 1 or 2 other devices.

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Mesh Topology−Pros and Cons

• PROS: Highly fault tolerant – no

single failure will disrupt
communication

• CONS: Requires each node to be

intelligent enough to manage its
own communication

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Wireless Mesh

Wireless mesh is frequently found in

large wireless networks such as, on a
campus or public area.

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Hybrid Topology

A mix of 2 or more network topologies

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Point-to-Point Communication

Point-to-point communication is
one dedicated communication
connection between two
devices.

! A traditional phone call is an example of point-to-point communications.

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Point-to-Multipoint Communication

Point-to-multipoint communication is
one device or node that connects to
multiple devices.

! Wireless access points create Point-to-Multipoint networks

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Client-Server vs Peer-To-Peer

Client-Server

• A network arrangement where user

computers and devices (“Clients”)
primarily communicate with one or
more central Servers.

Peer-To-Peer

• A network arrangement without a

central server, where the clients
communicate with each other directly

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 Quiz

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 QUIZ A network topology consisting of one unbroken cable, terminated on each end, is the
1 _____ topology.

a. ring

b. bus

c. mesh

d. fiber optic

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 QUIZ A network topology consisting of one unbroken cable, terminated on each end, is the
1 _____ topology.

a. ring

b. bus

c. mesh

d. fiber optic

The correct answer is b.

Bus topology consists of one unbroken cable, terminated on each end.

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 QUIZ
A dedicated communication connection between two devices is ________.
2

a. Cat5

b. Star

c. Point-to-Point

d. VPN

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 QUIZ
A dedicated communication connection between two devices is _________.
2

a. Cat5

b. Star

c. Point-to-Point

d. VPN

The correct answer is c.

Point-to-point is a dedicated communication connection between two devices.

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 QUIZ
Peer-to-peer refers to:
3

a. A network without a central server

b. A bus topology network.

c. A network protocol

d. Multipoint communication

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 QUIZ
Peer-to-peer refers to:
3

a. A network without a central server

b. A bus topology network.

c. A network protocol

d. Multipoint communication

The correct answer is a.

Peer-to-peer refers to a network where the hosts communicate directly with each other, without a
central server.
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Summary

Here is a quick recap

of what we have • Topology is the interrelatedness and arrangement of constituent parts in a
learned in this lesson.
network.
• Common topology types are Bus, Ring, Star, Mesh, and Hybrid.
• A Star topology is when each node connects directly to a hub or switch.
• Client-Server is a network arrangement where, user computers and devices
(“Clients”) primarily communicate with one or more central Servers.
• Peer-to-Peer is a network arrangement without a central server, where the
clients communicate with each other directly.

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 This concludes ‘Topologies’.

The next lesson is ‘WAN Technologies’.

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