CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)Networking ConceptsEasy
A legacy manufacturing facility uses a single coaxial backbone cable with terminators installed at each end. All devices connect directly to this shared cable segment. Which network topology does this describe?
- ARing
- BMesh
- CBus
- DStar
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Bus
A bus topology connects all devices to a single shared backbone cable, which requires terminators at each end to prevent signal reflection. A single cable break can disable the entire network.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Ring topology connects devices in a closed loop, not a linear terminated cable.
- B. Mesh topology involves direct connections between multiple devices, not a shared cable.
- D. Star topology connects each device to a central switch or hub, not a shared cable.
Bus Topology
A network design where all devices connect to a single shared backbone cable terminated at both ends to prevent signal reflection.
- Requires terminators at both ends
- Single point of failure (the cable)
- Largely obsolete, replaced by star topologies
Memory trick: Bus = one long road, everyone shares the same lane.