Question: Which of the following is a network topology

Answer:

A network topology refers to the layout or structure of a computer network. It defines how devices, such as computers, servers, switches, and routers, are connected to each other and how data flows within the network. There are several types of network topologies, including:

1. Bus Topology: In a bus topology, all devices are connected to a single communication line, known as a bus. Each device can transmit or receive data on the bus, and the data is broadcasted to all devices on the network. This topology is relatively simple and inexpensive but can be prone to congestion and single point of failure.

2. Star Topology: In a star topology, each device on the network is directly connected to a central device, usually a switch or hub. All communication between devices is routed through the central device. This topology offers better performance, scalability, and fault tolerance compared to a bus topology.

3. Ring Topology: In a ring topology, devices are connected in a circular ring, where each device is connected to two neighboring devices. Data is transmitted sequentially around the ring from one device to the next until it reaches the intended recipient. This topology provides more reliability than a bus topology but can be susceptible to failure if a single device or link in the ring breaks.

4. Mesh Topology: In a mesh topology, each device is connected to every other device in the network. This creates multiple paths for data transmission, offering high redundancy and fault tolerance. Mesh topologies can be fully connected (every device is directly connected to every other device) or partially connected (only specific devices have direct connections).

5. Tree Topology: A tree topology, also known as a hierarchical topology, uses a combination of bus and star topologies. Devices are connected in a hierarchical structure, with multiple levels or layers. This topology is commonly used in large networks where devices are grouped into different departments or locations.

6. Hybrid Topology: A hybrid topology is a combination of two or more different topologies. For example, a network may have a combination of star and mesh topologies to achieve a balance between performance, scalability, and fault tolerance.

These are some common network topologies, and the choice of topology depends on factors such as network size, scalability, fault tolerance requirements, and cost considerations.