Q.1 Which network topology connects all computers directly to a single central cable?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - In a bus topology, all devices are connected to one main cable (the bus) and share it for communication.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.2 What is the main advantage of a star topology for small office networks?
Low cost
Easy to add devices
All traffic goes through one point
No central point of failure
Explanation - In a star topology, each device connects to a central hub, making it easy to add or remove devices without disrupting the rest of the network.
Correct answer is: Easy to add devices
Q.3 Which topology is most vulnerable to a single cable break causing the whole network to fail?
Mesh topology
Star topology
Bus topology
Ring topology
Explanation - A bus topology relies on one main cable; if it breaks, the entire network stops working.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.4 What does a mesh topology provide that a star topology does not?
Lower cost
Simpler cabling
Multiple alternate paths for data
Fewer cables
Explanation - Mesh networks have connections between many devices, offering alternate routes if one path fails.
Correct answer is: Multiple alternate paths for data
Q.5 In a ring topology, how is data transmitted?
All devices receive data simultaneously
Data is sent to one device then forwarded sequentially
Data is broadcast to everyone
Data travels only between two devices
Explanation - Each device in a ring forwards the data to the next device until it reaches its destination.
Correct answer is: Data is sent to one device then forwarded sequentially
Q.6 Which topology is often used for large, high‑traffic networks because it allows many paths?
Bus topology
Star topology
Tree topology
Full mesh topology
Explanation - Full mesh connects every pair of nodes directly, providing many alternate paths suitable for high‑traffic environments.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology
Q.7 What is the primary disadvantage of a bus topology in terms of signal quality?
Signal strength drops over long distances
Signal can interfere with neighboring buses
Signal cannot be amplified
Signal is only transmitted in one direction
Explanation - Long bus cables can cause attenuation, reducing signal quality for devices far from the source.
Correct answer is: Signal strength drops over long distances
Q.8 Which topology is best suited for a network that must tolerate node failures without disconnecting all other nodes?
Tree topology
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Mesh networks provide redundant paths; if one node fails, data can still be routed through other nodes.
Correct answer is: Mesh topology
Q.9 What term describes the central node in a star topology?
Switch
Hub
Router
Gateway
Explanation - In a star topology, all devices connect to a hub (or switch) that acts as the central point of the network.
Correct answer is: Hub
Q.10 Which network topology is most commonly used in home Wi‑Fi networks?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Home networks typically use routers (central points) with devices connecting in a star configuration.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.11 Which topology would be best for a classroom where each computer needs to be directly connected to a central server?
Star topology
Bus topology
Tree topology
Ring topology
Explanation - Star topology allows each classroom computer to connect directly to the central server hub.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.12 What is the main benefit of a tree topology?
Simpler wiring
Hierarchical structure
Redundant paths
Lower cost than bus
Explanation - Tree topology combines elements of star and bus, providing a hierarchical structure that is easy to expand.
Correct answer is: Hierarchical structure
Q.13 In which topology does each device only connect to its immediate neighbor(s) in a linear fashion?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Ring topology links each device to exactly two neighbors, forming a closed loop.
Correct answer is: Ring topology
Q.14 Which of the following best describes a hybrid topology?
A network using only a single cable type
A combination of two or more basic topologies
A network that uses wireless connections exclusively
A network where all devices are directly connected to each other
Explanation - Hybrid topologies combine features from multiple basic topologies (e.g., star‑bus) to meet specific requirements.
Correct answer is: A combination of two or more basic topologies
Q.15 What is the primary reason a bus topology might be chosen over a star topology in a small LAN?
Lower cost of cabling
Higher reliability
Better performance at high traffic
Easier to manage
Explanation - Bus topologies use a single backbone cable, reducing cabling costs for small networks.
Correct answer is: Lower cost of cabling
Q.16 Which topology is most likely to suffer from 'collision domain' problems?
Bus topology
Star topology
Tree topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - In a bus topology, multiple devices share the same communication medium, increasing collision chances.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.17 Which network topology is used by Ethernet in its original 10‑Base‑T standard?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Early Ethernet (10‑Base‑T) used a bus (coaxial cable) topology for local area networks.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.18 What does the term 'collision domain' refer to in a network topology?
Area where data collisions are avoided
Area where multiple devices share a transmission medium
Area where data is encrypted
Area with no network access
Explanation - A collision domain is the network segment where packets can collide when multiple devices transmit simultaneously.
Correct answer is: Area where multiple devices share a transmission medium
Q.19 Which topology allows a network to remain operational if one cable fails?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Mesh networks have redundant links; if one cable fails, other paths can keep traffic flowing.
Correct answer is: Mesh topology
Q.20 Which of the following is a drawback of a full mesh topology?
High cost of cabling
Limited scalability
Complex routing
Single point of failure
Explanation - Full mesh requires a cable between every pair of nodes, which is expensive and difficult to maintain.
Correct answer is: High cost of cabling
Q.21 In which topology are devices arranged in a hierarchy with a root node and child branches?
Star topology
Tree topology
Ring topology
Bus topology
Explanation - Tree topology mimics a tree structure with a root and multiple branching sub‑topologies.
Correct answer is: Tree topology
Q.22 What is the main purpose of using a 'hub' in a star topology?
To provide routing information
To amplify signals
To act as a central connection point
To filter data traffic
Explanation - A hub connects all devices in a star topology, serving as the central point where all cables terminate.
Correct answer is: To act as a central connection point
Q.23 Which topology is often chosen for campus networks due to its scalability and fault tolerance?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Ring topology
Explanation - Mesh networks provide multiple paths and high fault tolerance, making them suitable for large campus LANs.
Correct answer is: Mesh topology
Q.24 Which topology uses a 'ring' of nodes that can be converted into a 'star' by adding a central hub?
Bus topology
Ring topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - A ring topology can be reconfigured to a star by adding a central hub that connects to all nodes.
Correct answer is: Ring topology
Q.25 In a mesh topology, what type of network address is typically used to identify a direct link between two devices?
Broadcast address
Link‑local address
Multicast address
Static IP address
Explanation - Link‑local addresses are often used for direct links in mesh networks, allowing devices to communicate without routing.
Correct answer is: Link‑local address
Q.26 Which topology would you choose if the network must maintain performance even when several links fail?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Full mesh provides redundant paths, ensuring performance remains high even if multiple links fail.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology
Q.27 What is the main reason a tree topology is used in corporate LANs?
Simplifies cabling cost
Provides a hierarchical structure
Minimizes collision domains
Offers full redundancy
Explanation - Tree topology supports a hierarchical arrangement of sub‑networks, which is convenient for corporate LANs.
Correct answer is: Provides a hierarchical structure
Q.28 Which network topology is most suitable for an Internet of Things (IoT) sensor network that requires low power and low cost?
Mesh topology
Star topology
Bus topology
Ring topology
Explanation - Mesh topologies allow each sensor node to relay data, conserving power and reducing cost by using multi‑hop paths.
Correct answer is: Mesh topology
Q.29 Which type of network topology is best for a high‑availability data center?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Hybrid topology
Explanation - Data centers often use a hybrid (e.g., spine‑leaf) topology that combines the benefits of star, mesh, and spine‑leaf designs.
Correct answer is: Hybrid topology
Q.30 What is a primary benefit of using a hybrid topology over a pure mesh topology in enterprise networks?
Lower cost of cabling
Simpler topology management
Fewer required switches
Reduced number of links per node
Explanation - Hybrid topologies reduce the number of direct links per node, lowering cost while still providing redundancy.
Correct answer is: Reduced number of links per node
Q.31 Which network topology is most common for connecting servers in a high‑performance computing cluster?
Star topology
Ring topology
Full mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Full mesh provides minimal communication latency and maximum fault tolerance among servers in a HPC cluster.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology
Q.32 What is a key drawback of a full mesh topology in large networks?
Complex routing protocols
High hardware failure risk
Large number of cables and switches
Limited scalability
Explanation - Full mesh requires a cable and switch connection between each pair of nodes, which becomes impractical as the network grows.
Correct answer is: Large number of cables and switches
Q.33 Which topology is often used in smart grid communication networks to provide reliable power distribution monitoring?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Mesh topology offers redundancy and reliability, critical for monitoring power distribution in a smart grid.
Correct answer is: Mesh topology
Q.34 What is the main reason a network engineer might choose a star topology over a bus topology for a new office?
Lower cabling cost
Easier fault isolation
Better performance under high traffic
Simpler wiring
Explanation - In a star topology, if one cable fails, only the associated device is affected, making troubleshooting easier.
Correct answer is: Easier fault isolation
Q.35 Which topology would likely be chosen for a metropolitan area network (MAN) that spans multiple buildings?
Bus topology
Star topology
Hybrid (star‑mesh) topology
Ring topology
Explanation - A hybrid star‑mesh topology provides both efficient local connectivity and redundant inter‑building links.
Correct answer is: Hybrid (star‑mesh) topology
Q.36 What does the term 'spoke' refer to in a star‑mesh hybrid network?
Central backbone cable
A peripheral node connecting to the hub
A redundant link between hubs
An isolated subnet
Explanation - In a star‑mesh, 'spokes' are the connections from peripheral nodes to the central hub or spine.
Correct answer is: A peripheral node connecting to the hub
Q.37 Which network topology is most suitable for a mobile ad‑hoc network (MANET) where nodes move frequently?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Mesh topology allows dynamic reconfiguration as nodes move, maintaining connectivity without central infrastructure.
Correct answer is: Mesh topology
Q.38 Which topology allows for easy addition of new nodes without significant re‑wiring?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - In a star, each new node connects only to the central hub, requiring no changes to the existing network.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.39 In a network where a single switch is used for all connections, which topology is being used?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - All devices connect to a single switch in a star topology, making that switch the central hub.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.40 Which topology uses a 'daisy‑chain' of devices, where each device is connected to two others except for the ends?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - A ring topology forms a loop where each device connects to exactly two neighbors, creating a daisy‑chain structure.
Correct answer is: Ring topology
Q.41 What is the main benefit of a full mesh topology for mission‑critical applications?
Lower cost
Simplified cabling
Maximum reliability
Easier management
Explanation - Full mesh offers multiple redundant paths, ensuring continuous operation even if several links fail.
Correct answer is: Maximum reliability
Q.42 Which topology is best for a small home network that must support wireless devices?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Home routers act as hubs, creating a star topology that accommodates wireless clients easily.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.43 Which of the following statements is true about a bus topology?
It requires a central switch
It is the most cost‑effective for small networks
It has the highest fault tolerance
It supports wireless only
Explanation - Bus topology uses a single backbone cable, which is cheaper for small LANs compared to star or mesh.
Correct answer is: It is the most cost‑effective for small networks
Q.44 Which network topology would you use if you need to connect devices that are spread over a large geographic area with limited cabling?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Hybrid topology
Explanation - A hybrid design can combine wireless, fiber, and other links to cover large areas while minimizing cabling.
Correct answer is: Hybrid topology
Q.45 In which topology is the 'root' node often referred to as the 'spine'?
Ring topology
Tree topology
Star‑mesh topology
Bus topology
Explanation - In a spine‑leaf or star‑mesh network, the central spine switches act as the root nodes.
Correct answer is: Star‑mesh topology
Q.46 Which topology typically uses a 'token ring' protocol to avoid collisions?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Token Ring networks rely on a token passing mechanism in a ring topology to prevent collisions.
Correct answer is: Ring topology
Q.47 Which of the following is a major drawback of the star topology when using a single central hub?
High cabling cost
Central point of failure
Limited scalability
Complex routing
Explanation - If the central hub fails, all connected devices lose connectivity, making it a single point of failure.
Correct answer is: Central point of failure
Q.48 Which network topology would provide the best performance for high‑bandwidth data centers?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Ring topology
Explanation - Full mesh delivers direct links between all nodes, minimizing latency for high‑bandwidth traffic.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology
Q.49 In a tree topology, what happens to the network if a main trunk cable fails?
All devices are isolated from the network
Only the affected branch loses connectivity
The entire network becomes a bus
The tree reconfigures to a mesh
Explanation - A failure in a trunk only affects the sub‑branch it serves, not the entire tree.
Correct answer is: Only the affected branch loses connectivity
Q.50 What is a common use case for a ring topology in modern networks?
Home Wi‑Fi networks
Large enterprise LANs
Industrial control systems
Public Internet backbone
Explanation - Ring topologies can provide deterministic, low‑latency communication required in industrial automation.
Correct answer is: Industrial control systems
Q.51 Which network topology would you use to create a resilient network in an environment where power outages are frequent?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Mesh provides redundant paths, ensuring network traffic can reroute if power to a node is lost.
Correct answer is: Mesh topology
Q.52 What is the main advantage of a hybrid topology that combines star and bus elements?
Reduced cost and improved fault tolerance
Simplified cabling
Fewer devices required
Higher throughput than full mesh
Explanation - Hybrid topologies combine low‑cost bus sections with fault‑tolerant star sections for balanced performance.
Correct answer is: Reduced cost and improved fault tolerance
Q.53 Which of the following best describes a 'spider' topology?
A single bus with many endpoints
A central hub with multiple spokes
A ring with a central node
A mesh of all nodes
Explanation - A spider topology is similar to a star, with a central hub and multiple radial connections (spokes).
Correct answer is: A central hub with multiple spokes
Q.54 Which topology would minimize the number of cable connections in a network of 10 computers?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Bus topology uses a single backbone cable, reducing the total number of cable connections required.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.55 In a star topology, what is the most common device used to connect the devices together?
Hub
Repeater
Bridge
Router
Explanation - A hub (or switch) acts as the central connection point in a star network.
Correct answer is: Hub
Q.56 Which topology is represented by a 'tree' diagram where branches split from a main trunk?
Bus topology
Star topology
Tree topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - A tree topology visually resembles a tree with a trunk and branches connecting sub‑networks.
Correct answer is: Tree topology
Q.57 What is a key characteristic of a mesh network that makes it highly reliable?
Each node connects to only one other node
It uses a single cable for all communication
It offers multiple redundant paths between nodes
It requires no central switch
Explanation - Mesh networks connect nodes with many alternate routes, so traffic can reroute if one link fails.
Correct answer is: It offers multiple redundant paths between nodes
Q.58 Which topology would you choose for a campus network that must support both wired and wireless connections?
Bus topology
Star topology
Hybrid (star‑mesh) topology
Ring topology
Explanation - Hybrid star‑mesh combines wired star cores with wireless mesh access points for coverage.
Correct answer is: Hybrid (star‑mesh) topology
Q.59 Which network topology has the simplest cabling structure?
Bus topology
Star topology
Tree topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Bus topology requires only one backbone cable, making it the simplest to lay out.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.60 In a star‑mesh topology, what term describes the direct links that connect leaf nodes to the spine?
Spokes
Bridges
Stitches
Nodes
Explanation - Spokes are the connections from leaf switches to the central spine switches in a star‑mesh design.
Correct answer is: Spokes
Q.61 Which topology would be most cost‑effective for a network of 5 office computers?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - With only five devices, a bus topology uses less cabling and fewer switches, saving cost.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.62 What type of network topology is used when all devices are connected to a single backbone and traffic is sent in both directions along that backbone?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Bus topology places all devices on one backbone cable, allowing two‑way traffic.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.63 In which topology does the failure of a single device disconnect only that device from the network?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Because each device connects to a central hub, a device failure only affects its own connection.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.64 Which of the following best describes a 'hybrid' network topology?
A network that uses only wired connections
A network that combines two or more basic topologies
A network that uses only wireless connections
A network that is fully redundant
Explanation - Hybrid topologies merge elements of bus, star, tree, and mesh to meet specific requirements.
Correct answer is: A network that combines two or more basic topologies
Q.65 What is the primary benefit of a tree topology for an organization with many departments?
Simplified cabling
Improved security
Hierarchical structure for management
Full redundancy
Explanation - Tree topology mirrors organizational hierarchy, making it easy to assign management responsibilities.
Correct answer is: Hierarchical structure for management
Q.66 Which topology would provide the best fault isolation in a home network?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - A failure in a star network only isolates the affected device, not the entire network.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.67 What is a major advantage of a full mesh topology for high‑bandwidth applications?
Lower cost
Higher throughput due to direct links
Simpler management
Reduced number of cables
Explanation - Direct connections between nodes reduce latency and increase overall network throughput.
Correct answer is: Higher throughput due to direct links
Q.68 In a bus topology, how does a device know when to transmit data?
It always transmits
It listens for a carrier and then transmits
It receives a signal from the hub
It is scheduled by a central server
Explanation - Devices in a bus network listen for a free medium (carrier sense) before transmitting to avoid collisions.
Correct answer is: It listens for a carrier and then transmits
Q.69 Which network topology is most suitable for connecting IoT sensors that must transmit data over short ranges?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Mesh networks allow sensors to relay data through multiple hops, extending coverage without a central hub.
Correct answer is: Mesh topology
Q.70 What is the main challenge when scaling a full mesh topology to 100 nodes?
Limited bandwidth
High number of required cables
Complex routing protocols
Insufficient power supply
Explanation - Full mesh requires a cable for every pair of nodes, resulting in a large number of cables and switches.
Correct answer is: High number of required cables
Q.71 Which topology would a large data center use to connect racks of servers while minimizing latency?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Hybrid (spine‑leaf) topology
Explanation - Spine‑leaf is a hybrid design that provides low‑latency, high‑bandwidth connections between racks.
Correct answer is: Hybrid (spine‑leaf) topology
Q.72 What is the term for the single point of failure in a star topology?
Central hub
Root node
Spoke
Bridge
Explanation - The hub or switch that all devices connect to is the single point of failure in a star network.
Correct answer is: Central hub
Q.73 Which topology offers the simplest method for adding or removing devices without affecting the rest of the network?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - In a star, each device connects to the hub independently, so adding or removing a device does not disturb others.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.74 In which topology do data packets circulate in a continuous loop?
Bus topology
Ring topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Ring topology circulates packets around a loop until they reach their destination.
Correct answer is: Ring topology
Q.75 Which network topology would you use to create a simple classroom network with a single PC per student and a central computer?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - A star network allows each student PC to connect to the central computer via a hub.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.76 What is the main advantage of a tree topology for a campus network?
Lowest cabling cost
Simplest management
Hierarchical structure with easy expansion
Maximum redundancy
Explanation - Tree topology’s hierarchical nature allows for organized expansion of campus sub‑networks.
Correct answer is: Hierarchical structure with easy expansion
Q.77 Which topology is most appropriate for a small office that only needs to share a single printer?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - A bus topology uses one cable, making it cheap and sufficient for simple resource sharing.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.78 Which topology would best support a system where every computer must communicate directly with every other computer?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Ring topology
Explanation - Full mesh connects every pair of devices directly, enabling full peer communication.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology
Q.79 In a network with a tree topology, which part of the network is most likely to become congested when many devices try to access the root?
Leaf nodes
Branch nodes
Root node
All nodes equally
Explanation - The root or trunk of the tree can become a bottleneck when many devices communicate through it.
Correct answer is: Root node
Q.80 What is the advantage of using a hybrid topology over a pure bus topology?
Lower initial cost
Higher data rates
Improved fault tolerance
Simpler cabling
Explanation - Hybrid topologies incorporate redundancy (e.g., star or mesh segments) that bus topologies lack.
Correct answer is: Improved fault tolerance
Q.81 Which topology requires a repeater or hub to extend the reach of the network?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Bus networks often need repeaters to extend the length of the main cable beyond its maximum reach.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.82 Which topology would you choose for a network where all devices must share the same communication medium and there is no central switch?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Bus topology uses a single shared medium with no central switch or hub.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.83 What is a typical use case for a ring topology in a modern data center?
High‑speed, deterministic interconnects between racks
Low‑cost, small office LAN
Home Wi‑Fi network
Public Internet backbone
Explanation - Ring topologies can provide predictable, low‑latency paths in a data center’s internal network.
Correct answer is: High‑speed, deterministic interconnects between racks
Q.84 Which topology is most appropriate for a home network that needs to support both wired Ethernet and Wi‑Fi access points?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Hybrid topology
Explanation - A hybrid (e.g., star‑mesh) can combine wired core with wireless mesh access points for coverage.
Correct answer is: Hybrid topology
Q.85 In a star topology, which device typically handles the switching of frames between ports?
Hub
Repeater
Switch
Router
Explanation - A switch forwards frames based on MAC addresses, effectively acting as the central hub in a star network.
Correct answer is: Switch
Q.86 Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a mesh topology?
Multiple redundant paths
High cost of cabling
Scalability is limited by link count
Direct point‑to‑point communication
Explanation - Mesh topology provides direct links, but the statement is actually a characteristic; the non‑characteristic is that it is NOT a tree structure.
Correct answer is: Direct point‑to‑point communication
Q.87 Which network topology is most commonly used in a classroom with a single projector that all students need to connect to?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Each student’s device connects to a central hub that also connects to the projector.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.88 What is a major drawback of the bus topology when the network grows large?
High maintenance cost
High latency
Collisions become frequent
Cable becomes too expensive
Explanation - As more devices share the bus, the chance of data collisions increases, degrading performance.
Correct answer is: Collisions become frequent
Q.89 Which topology would be best suited for an industrial automation network requiring deterministic timing?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Ring networks can guarantee deterministic communication cycles, important for industrial control.
Correct answer is: Ring topology
Q.90 In a mesh topology, what type of routing protocol is typically used to find the best path between nodes?
Static routing
Dynamic routing (e.g., OSPF)
MAC‑level switching
Broadcast routing
Explanation - Dynamic routing protocols compute optimal paths in complex mesh networks.
Correct answer is: Dynamic routing (e.g., OSPF)
Q.91 Which network topology uses a single 'root' and multiple 'spokes' to connect devices?
Bus topology
Star topology
Tree topology
Spider topology
Explanation - Spider topology is a star with a central hub and many radial spokes.
Correct answer is: Spider topology
Q.92 Which topology would you choose if the network must maintain a high level of reliability even if two cables fail?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Full mesh has multiple redundant links; losing two cables usually does not isolate the network.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology
Q.93 What is the primary benefit of using a bus topology for a classroom of 10 computers?
Highest speed
Lowest cost of cabling
Maximum reliability
Easiest maintenance
Explanation - Bus topology requires a single main cable, minimizing cabling expenses for small networks.
Correct answer is: Lowest cost of cabling
Q.94 Which topology is commonly used for small office networks due to its balance of cost and reliability?
Bus topology
Star topology
Tree topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Star networks offer easy expansion and fault isolation with moderate cost.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.95 Which topology would you use if you need each node to be reachable from any other node without a central switch?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Mesh networks provide direct or multi‑hop paths between every pair of nodes.
Correct answer is: Mesh topology
Q.96 What is a key advantage of a tree topology compared to a star topology?
Lower cabling cost
Easier to add new branches
Higher bandwidth
No single point of failure
Explanation - Tree topology’s hierarchical structure allows adding new branches without affecting existing ones.
Correct answer is: Easier to add new branches
Q.97 Which topology is most suited for a large-scale data center with thousands of servers?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Hybrid (spine‑leaf) topology
Explanation - Spine‑leaf provides high‑throughput, low‑latency interconnects while scaling to thousands of servers.
Correct answer is: Hybrid (spine‑leaf) topology
Q.98 In a network that uses a star topology, which device is responsible for ensuring that each device gets the correct data packet?
Router
Switch
Hub
Repeater
Explanation - A switch forwards packets based on MAC addresses, ensuring correct delivery to each connected device.
Correct answer is: Switch
Q.99 Which topology provides the lowest latency for direct communication between any two nodes?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Mesh networks provide direct links, eliminating intermediate hops and thus reducing latency.
Correct answer is: Mesh topology
Q.100 What is the main drawback of a bus topology in a high‑traffic enterprise network?
High initial cost
Limited scalability due to collisions
Complex cabling
Single point of failure
Explanation - As traffic increases, collisions become frequent, severely limiting performance in a bus network.
Correct answer is: Limited scalability due to collisions
Q.101 Which topology is typically used for an inter‑office network where each office connects to a central office via a trunk?
Bus topology
Star topology
Tree topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Tree topology supports a trunk from a central office with branches to individual office sub‑networks.
Correct answer is: Tree topology
Q.102 What type of network topology is best for a network of sensors that must operate in harsh environments with limited power?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Mesh allows sensors to relay data via multi‑hop paths, reducing the power required per link.
Correct answer is: Mesh topology
Q.103 Which topology is most commonly used in residential Wi‑Fi networks?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - A home router acts as the central hub, with each device connecting directly, forming a star topology.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.104 Which topology would you use if you need to connect a single server to multiple clients without a central hub?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Ring topology
Explanation - A bus allows the server and clients to share a single cable, avoiding a central hub.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.105 Which topology is often used for a network that requires high availability and no single point of failure?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Mesh networks provide redundant paths, eliminating a single point of failure.
Correct answer is: Mesh topology
Q.106 In which topology would a failure of the central hub disconnect all connected devices?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - The hub is the sole central connection point; if it fails, all connected devices lose connectivity.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.107 What is a typical use case for a hybrid topology in a smart city network?
Single‑point control of all sensors
Distributed sensor network with redundant communication paths
Simple wired LAN for one building
Wireless-only communication between devices
Explanation - Hybrid topologies combine wired and wireless links with redundancy to ensure reliable city‑wide communication.
Correct answer is: Distributed sensor network with redundant communication paths
Q.108 Which topology would you choose for a small home network that only needs a single printer?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - A bus topology uses minimal cabling and is sufficient for simple printing tasks.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.109 What is the main challenge when deploying a full mesh topology in a large enterprise?
Limited bandwidth
High power consumption
Complex cabling and device count
Low fault tolerance
Explanation - Full mesh requires a physical link between every pair of nodes, leading to complex cabling and many devices.
Correct answer is: Complex cabling and device count
Q.110 Which topology provides the simplest cabling solution for a network of 3 computers?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - A single backbone cable can connect all three computers, simplifying cabling.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.111 Which topology would you use for a network that must support a deterministic broadcast cycle?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Ring networks can enforce a deterministic token‑passing cycle, useful for time‑sensitive data.
Correct answer is: Ring topology
Q.112 In a star‑mesh topology, what is the role of the 'leaf' nodes?
They connect directly to the root hub only
They act as routers for external networks
They connect to the spine and serve end devices
They are redundant hubs
Explanation - Leaf nodes provide access for end devices while connecting to the spine for routing.
Correct answer is: They connect to the spine and serve end devices
Q.113 Which network topology would provide the greatest data throughput for a single pair of nodes?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - A direct point‑to‑point link in a mesh eliminates intermediate hops, maximizing throughput.
Correct answer is: Mesh topology
Q.114 What is the primary advantage of a hybrid topology over a bus topology?
Lower initial cost
Simpler cabling
Increased fault tolerance
Higher latency
Explanation - Hybrid topologies add redundancy, which bus topologies lack.
Correct answer is: Increased fault tolerance
Q.115 Which topology would you choose to design a network that can tolerate the failure of up to three links?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Full mesh provides multiple redundant links; losing up to three links usually still keeps the network connected.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology
Q.116 What type of topology uses a single cable and requires a repeater if the network must exceed its maximum length?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Bus networks rely on repeaters to extend the length of the backbone cable beyond its maximum distance.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.117 Which topology is best for a network where each device needs to communicate directly with all others for a real‑time simulation?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Full mesh provides direct communication between every pair of devices, essential for real‑time interaction.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology
Q.118 In a tree topology, which part of the network is most likely to become congested when many devices in a branch communicate with the root?
Leaf nodes
Branch node
Root node
All nodes equally
Explanation - The root node aggregates traffic from all branches, making it a potential bottleneck.
Correct answer is: Root node
Q.119 Which topology would you use for a small office network that only requires a single printer and minimal cabling?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - A bus network requires only one main cable, which is cost‑effective for simple resource sharing.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.120 Which network topology provides the best performance when the network needs to support high‑speed, low‑latency communication between a large number of devices?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Hybrid topology
Explanation - Full mesh offers direct connections between all devices, ensuring minimal latency and maximum throughput.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology
Q.121 What is a key disadvantage of a star topology?
High cost of cabling
High latency
Single point of failure
Limited scalability
Explanation - If the central hub fails, all devices lose connectivity, making the hub a single point of failure.
Correct answer is: Single point of failure
Q.122 Which topology would you choose for a network that requires each device to have a direct link to a central controller?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - A star provides a direct connection from each device to a central controller via a hub or switch.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.123 Which network topology is most appropriate for a classroom with 30 students each using a laptop?
Bus topology
Star topology
Tree topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Star topology scales well for 30 laptops, allowing easy addition of more devices.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.124 What is the advantage of a hybrid (star‑mesh) topology for a corporate LAN?
Lower cost than a pure mesh
Simpler cabling than a pure bus
Higher reliability and scalability
Less management complexity
Explanation - Hybrid combines star’s manageability with mesh’s redundancy for reliable, scalable LANs.
Correct answer is: Higher reliability and scalability
Q.125 Which topology would you use if you need to connect 20 computers with the least cabling possible?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Bus requires only one main cable, making it the most cabling‑efficient for small networks.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.126 What is the primary reason a network might be designed as a tree topology rather than a simple star?
To reduce cabling costs
To support hierarchical addressing
To provide redundancy between all nodes
To simplify fault detection
Explanation - Tree topology naturally supports hierarchical subnetting, aligning with organizational structure.
Correct answer is: To support hierarchical addressing
Q.127 In which topology would you most likely use a 'switch' instead of a 'hub' to reduce collisions?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Switches in star topologies forward frames based on MAC addresses, reducing collision domains.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.128 Which topology would you choose to connect a network of sensors in a factory with minimal power consumption per link?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Mesh allows sensors to hop data through other nodes, reducing the power needed for each link.
Correct answer is: Mesh topology
Q.129 What is a typical use case for a ring topology in modern enterprise networks?
Connecting office printers
Providing a deterministic broadcast medium
Simplifying cabling for small networks
Enabling high‑bandwidth peer‑to‑peer links
Explanation - Ring networks enforce a token‑passing scheme, offering deterministic timing for certain applications.
Correct answer is: Providing a deterministic broadcast medium
Q.130 Which topology would you use if the network must guarantee that a packet always reaches its destination even if one intermediate node fails?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Full mesh provides multiple paths; if one node fails, traffic can be rerouted through another path.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology
Q.131 What is the main benefit of using a hybrid topology in a smart grid?
Simpler cabling
Reduced latency
Improved resilience to failures
Lower cost per node
Explanation - Hybrid topologies combine wired and wireless links with redundancy, improving grid reliability.
Correct answer is: Improved resilience to failures
Q.132 In a mesh topology, how does the network determine the best route between two nodes?
Static manual configuration
Dynamic routing protocols (e.g., OSPF)
Broadcast messages
MAC address tables
Explanation - Dynamic routing protocols calculate optimal paths in a complex mesh environment.
Correct answer is: Dynamic routing protocols (e.g., OSPF)
Q.133 Which topology is typically used for a network that requires all devices to connect through a single point for simplicity?
Bus topology
Star topology
Tree topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Star topology connects each device to a single central point, simplifying the design.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.134 What is a major drawback of a full mesh topology for a network of 50 nodes?
Limited bandwidth per link
High cost and cabling complexity
Low fault tolerance
High power consumption per device
Explanation - Full mesh requires many cables and switches, making it costly and complex for 50 nodes.
Correct answer is: High cost and cabling complexity
Q.135 Which network topology would you choose for a network of 5 computers where one computer must act as the central server?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - A star network allows the server to act as a central hub, with all clients connecting to it.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.136 In a ring topology, what happens if one device fails?
The entire network stops functioning
Only the failed device is isolated
The network reconfigures to a bus
All other devices lose connectivity
Explanation - In a ring, traffic can bypass a failed node, isolating only that node from the network.
Correct answer is: Only the failed device is isolated
Q.137 Which topology would you choose for a network where each device needs to communicate directly with a central server and also with each other?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Full mesh allows direct connections between all devices, satisfying both requirements.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology
Q.138 What type of topology is best for a small network that must support wireless clients and a wired back‑bone?
Bus topology
Star topology
Hybrid (star‑mesh) topology
Tree topology
Explanation - A hybrid star‑mesh combines a wired star backbone with a wireless mesh for coverage.
Correct answer is: Hybrid (star‑mesh) topology
Q.139 Which topology provides the lowest latency for a single pair of nodes but requires many links?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Full mesh offers a direct link, yielding the lowest latency, but demands many links.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology
Q.140 Which topology would you use for a network that needs to provide a single point of failure isolation?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Hybrid topology
Explanation - Star topology isolates the failure of a single device, protecting the rest of the network.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.141 What is the main advantage of a tree topology over a pure bus topology in a multi‑floor office building?
Lower cable cost
Simpler management
Hierarchical organization of sub‑networks
No single point of failure
Explanation - Tree topology allows separate sub‑networks for each floor, easing management and scalability.
Correct answer is: Hierarchical organization of sub‑networks
Q.142 Which topology would provide the highest level of redundancy in a network with limited budget?
Bus topology
Star topology
Hybrid (star‑mesh) topology
Full mesh topology
Explanation - Hybrid offers redundancy without the full cost of a complete mesh.
Correct answer is: Hybrid (star‑mesh) topology
Q.143 What is the main disadvantage of a bus topology for a high‑traffic network?
Limited bandwidth due to collisions
High cost of cabling
Complex cabling layout
Single point of failure
Explanation - Collisions on a bus consume bandwidth and reduce effective throughput in high‑traffic environments.
Correct answer is: Limited bandwidth due to collisions
Q.144 Which topology is most suitable for a network of 100 devices that must be able to communicate directly with each other?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Hybrid topology
Explanation - Full mesh allows direct connections between all 100 devices, providing maximum connectivity.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology
Q.145 Which topology is best for a network that needs to support a broadcast medium with deterministic timing?
Bus topology
Ring topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Ring topologies with token passing provide deterministic broadcast timing.
Correct answer is: Ring topology
Q.146 In a mesh topology, which of the following is a true statement about the number of cables required for n nodes?
It is n-1
It is 2n
It is n(n-1)/2
It is n
Explanation - A full mesh requires a link between every pair of nodes, resulting in n(n‑1)/2 cables.
Correct answer is: It is n(n-1)/2
Q.147 Which topology would you use if you want a network that is easy to troubleshoot because each device is directly connected to a central hub?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Star topology simplifies troubleshooting, as failure of a single cable affects only one device.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.148 What is the main benefit of a hybrid (star‑mesh) topology in a large enterprise?
Lowest cost of cabling
Simplest cabling layout
High scalability with redundancy
No single point of failure
Explanation - Hybrid designs combine the scalability of star with the redundancy of mesh, ideal for enterprise.
Correct answer is: High scalability with redundancy
Q.149 Which topology would you choose for a network that must support a deterministic, time‑sensitive traffic flow?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Ring networks can enforce token‑passing, ensuring deterministic timing for sensitive traffic.
Correct answer is: Ring topology
Q.150 What is the most significant advantage of a full mesh topology for a data center?
Lower cost
High reliability and low latency
Simpler cabling
Single point of failure
Explanation - Full mesh provides multiple redundant paths, ensuring reliability and minimal latency.
Correct answer is: High reliability and low latency
Q.151 Which topology is most commonly used to connect a single switch to multiple computers in a small office?
Bus topology
Star topology
Tree topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - A single switch acts as the hub, connecting all computers in a star layout.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.152 What is a typical use case for a mesh topology in a large industrial facility?
Connecting a single printer
Providing reliable communication between many sensors
Simplifying cabling
Reducing network cost
Explanation - Mesh allows sensors to relay data through multiple paths, ensuring reliability in industrial settings.
Correct answer is: Providing reliable communication between many sensors
Q.153 Which topology would you choose for a small network of 5 laptops where the cost of cabling is a major concern?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - A bus requires only one backbone cable, which is cost‑effective for a small network.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.154 Which topology would you use to create a network with a single point of control that also provides redundancy for critical links?
Bus topology
Star topology
Hybrid (star‑mesh) topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Hybrid designs combine a central star with redundant mesh links for critical traffic.
Correct answer is: Hybrid (star‑mesh) topology
Q.155 In a tree topology, which part of the network acts as the main backbone?
Leaves
Branches
Root
Spokes
Explanation - The root node acts as the trunk of the tree, providing the main backbone for the network.
Correct answer is: Root
Q.156 Which topology would you choose if you need a simple network for a small office that must be set up quickly?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Bus topology allows quick setup with minimal cabling, ideal for small offices.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.157 What is the primary advantage of using a hybrid (mesh‑star) topology in a campus network?
Lower cost than pure mesh
Simpler cabling than pure bus
High reliability and scalability
No management overhead
Explanation - Hybrid combines star’s manageability and mesh’s redundancy, providing reliable, scalable connectivity.
Correct answer is: High reliability and scalability
Q.158 Which topology would you use for a network that needs to support high‑bandwidth, low‑latency peer‑to‑peer communication?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Full mesh offers direct links between all devices, ensuring low latency for peer‑to‑peer traffic.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology
Q.159 Which topology would provide the highest reliability for a network of sensors in a harsh environment?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Mesh networks have redundant paths, making them highly reliable in harsh or unpredictable environments.
Correct answer is: Mesh topology
Q.160 In which topology do all devices share a common communication medium and must listen before transmitting?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Bus topologies require carrier sense multiple access to avoid collisions on the shared medium.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.161 Which topology is best suited for a small network that only needs a single printer and minimal cabling?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - A bus uses a single backbone cable, making it cost‑effective for a simple printer‑sharing setup.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.162 Which topology would you use if the network must guarantee that a single link failure does not isolate any devices?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Full mesh provides redundant links so that failure of one link does not disconnect any node.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology
Q.163 Which topology is most appropriate for a small office LAN that requires a central server and simple cabling?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Star topology provides a central server connection with easy cabling and expansion.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.164 Which network topology is best for a large data center that demands high availability and low latency?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Hybrid (spine‑leaf) topology
Explanation - Spine‑leaf offers high availability and low latency, ideal for data center traffic.
Correct answer is: Hybrid (spine‑leaf) topology
Q.165 In a star network, which component is responsible for forwarding packets between the hub and devices?
Router
Switch
Hub
Repeater
Explanation - A switch forwards packets based on MAC addresses between the hub and devices.
Correct answer is: Switch
Q.166 Which topology would provide the greatest fault isolation in a network with 30 devices?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - In a star, a single device failure only isolates that device, not the whole network.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.167 What is the main advantage of a hybrid (star‑mesh) topology for an enterprise LAN?
Lowest cost per node
Simplest cabling layout
High scalability and fault tolerance
No single point of failure
Explanation - Hybrid combines star’s manageability with mesh’s redundancy, making it highly scalable and fault‑tolerant.
Correct answer is: High scalability and fault tolerance
Q.168 Which topology would be chosen for a network that requires each device to have a direct path to every other device for real‑time communication?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Full mesh provides a direct link between each pair of devices, essential for real‑time communication.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology
Q.169 Which topology is often used for a network of sensors in a manufacturing plant where redundancy is critical?
Bus topology
Star topology
Mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Mesh topologies provide multiple redundant paths, ensuring reliability in critical manufacturing environments.
Correct answer is: Mesh topology
Q.170 Which topology provides the simplest and cheapest network for a classroom of 20 students?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - A bus network uses a single backbone cable, making it simple and cost‑effective for a small classroom.
Correct answer is: Bus topology
Q.171 Which topology would you choose if the network must be able to handle a large number of simultaneous connections without a single point of failure?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Full mesh eliminates a single point of failure and offers multiple paths for simultaneous traffic.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology
Q.172 What is a key disadvantage of using a star topology for a network of 200 devices?
High cost of cabling
High number of cables to the hub
Limited scalability
High power consumption
Explanation - A star requires a cable from each device to the hub, making cabling expensive for large numbers of devices.
Correct answer is: High cost of cabling
Q.173 Which network topology is commonly used in large enterprise networks to provide high reliability and low latency?
Bus topology
Star topology
Hybrid (spine‑leaf) topology
Ring topology
Explanation - Hybrid spine‑leaf topologies are the standard for large enterprise networks, offering high reliability and low latency.
Correct answer is: Hybrid (spine‑leaf) topology
Q.174 Which topology is most appropriate for a network that must support a single point of control for a large number of devices?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - Star topology centers all devices around a single controller, simplifying management.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.175 Which topology provides the simplest wiring for a network of 10 devices with a single central server?
Bus topology
Star topology
Ring topology
Mesh topology
Explanation - A star connects each device to a central hub, providing simple wiring and easy addition of new devices.
Correct answer is: Star topology
Q.176 In which topology does each device have a direct connection to every other device?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Full mesh topology connects every pair of nodes directly, enabling direct device‑to‑device links.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology
Q.177 What is the primary advantage of a bus topology for a network that requires a minimal setup cost?
High reliability
Low cabling cost
High scalability
No single point of failure
Explanation - Bus topology uses a single backbone cable, keeping cabling costs low.
Correct answer is: Low cabling cost
Q.178 Which topology is most suitable for a network that requires multiple redundant paths between devices?
Bus topology
Star topology
Full mesh topology
Tree topology
Explanation - Full mesh provides many redundant paths, ensuring connectivity even if several links fail.
Correct answer is: Full mesh topology